Multiclassed Oracle / Oracle?


Round 1: Cavalier and Oracle

Dark Archive

I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.


Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.

I dont think i would stop someone from doing this. If they are that interested in the idea. But you then hit the big primary caster multiclassing problem, so spell casting would be extremely weak. You would really have to enjoy the role play or make something magical work out of the two foci.


Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.

Isn't that a bit like trying to play cleric of Y and Cleric X? I'd say there would be a big no-go on that one, but that is not the same as I don't see your point. These kind of questions hdo have a tendency to make my head hurt... Dunno why.. ;-)

Dark Archive

Gworeth wrote:
Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.
Isn't that a bit like trying to play cleric of Y and Cleric X? I'd say there would be a big no-go on that one, but that is not the same as I don't see your point. These kind of questions hdo have a tendency to make my head hurt... Dunno why.. ;-)

Not quite. In the clerics case you specifically choose to worship 2 deities... which is kind of odd, though I'd allow it for deities in the same pantheon with non-conflicting goals. However, with an oracle you are being chosen by the gods to uphold a set ideal or concept. Since it doesn't have anything to do with a conscious choice on your part, it seems reasonable that 2 sets of deities could choose you to either A. be a part of their ongoing feud, or B. Uphold both concepts or ideals. it isn't your choice, it's the gods.

And yeah, I wasn't trying to min-max or anything. It should be appreciably less powerful than a full level oracle. However, it seemed like an interesting RP mechanic.

Paizo Employee Director of Games

Taking additional levels in a class adds to your existing levels. There is no mechanic for taking separate levels that do not stack with existing levels.

So.. only 1 focus per oracle... at least, for now.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

Dark Archive

Jason Bulmahn wrote:

Taking additional levels in a class adds to your existing levels. There is no mechanic for taking separate levels that do not stack with existing levels.

So.. only 1 focus per oracle... at least, for now.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

That's much better than a flat out no, never :)


It's too bad you can't dual class in the same class. I would love to play a ranger/ranger that focuses on archery and two weapon fighting.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Drachesturm wrote:
It's too bad you can't dual class in the same class. I would love to play a ranger/ranger that focuses on archery and two weapon fighting.

Simple. pick one combat style and then spend feats for the other. And make sure you play Human because you'll need every feat slot you can get.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.

There's a reason why it's called a FOCUS. It's basically a form of divinely induced monomania.


LazarX wrote:
Drachesturm wrote:
It's too bad you can't dual class in the same class. I would love to play a ranger/ranger that focuses on archery and two weapon fighting.
Simple. pick one combat style and then spend feats for the other. And make sure you play Human because you'll need every feat slot you can get.

Don't humans only get one extra feat?

Dark Archive

LazarX wrote:
Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.
There's a reason why it's called a FOCUS. It's basically a form of divinely induced monomania.

So, you're saying 2 different groups of deities couldn't induce the same effect in one person? I don't think that's a reasonable assertion.

Scarab Sages

Draeke Raefel wrote:
LazarX wrote:
Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.
There's a reason why it's called a FOCUS. It's basically a form of divinely induced monomania.
So, you're saying 2 different groups of deities couldn't induce the same effect in one person? I don't think that's a reasonable assertion.

Its not the deity that induces the effect, its the person who develops it for themselves. (At least in my understanding of the class)

Dark Archive

underling wrote:
Draeke Raefel wrote:
LazarX wrote:
Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once. Obviously they levels would not stack for oracle level based abilities, but could you be both the Oracle of Battle and the Oracle of Flame for instance? Kind of like 2 Concepts either agreeing to use you as a conduit together or trying to fight each other for your favor? It would be kind of a cool concept if your character was the battleground for 2 opposing Foci, each trying to bribe/cajole/woo the character into following their paradigm.
There's a reason why it's called a FOCUS. It's basically a form of divinely induced monomania.
So, you're saying 2 different groups of deities couldn't induce the same effect in one person? I don't think that's a reasonable assertion.
Its not the deity that induces the effect, its the person who develops it for themselves. (At least in my understanding of the class)
Oracle Cavalier Beta PDF wrote:


These divine vessels are granted power without their choice, selected by providence to wield powers that even they do not fully understand

Doesn't really sound like the poor schmuck got much of a choice about it or understands it enough to really try to develop it beyond what the gods grant them.


Others might not agree, but at my table I would have to say "no". While some might argue the game mechanics don't specifically forbid it, the Roleplaying aspects for me make it a big taboo.

My reasoning is based on the fact that divine classes are so much more to a character than a simple career choice. To be a Paladin, Cleric or Oracle means that a deity has invested enough thought into a character as to decide to allow said character to be a vessel for the deity's divine power. There are many clergy members around the world, but not all of them are able to actually channel the power of the deity they worship. I don't see divine power as a communal pool each divine class dips into, but rather a power granted directly and personally by the gods themselves. Albeit in a (usually) non-personal manner.

To be chosen for such a specific role as to basically be the deity's earthly messenger takes an incredible devotion and dedication to the god's agenda and alignment. At my table I won't even allow differing alignment from a divine classes patron deity. Unless the character is very strictly in line with the belief system of his chosen deity, the deity wouldn't even consider granting spells.

I'm very specific even about multi-classing within these classes. Why would a deity continue to power the spells of a character who no longer follows their path with the purest devotion? The only multi-class cleric we have at our table is a cleric who follows the path of the bard so as to sing the praises of his goddess. Even the secondary classes must somehow be in line with following the tenets of faith.

Well, that's my reasoning, but as I said earlier, some GM's might not be as hard-nosed about as I am.


Drachesturm wrote:
It's too bad you can't dual class in the same class. I would love to play a ranger/ranger that focuses on archery and two weapon fighting.

I can see it now, every time someone want's a saves boost they don't take iron will they take level 1 monk over and over again.

*Wizard walks into rent-a-merc looking for a meat shield*

Wizard: What're you?
dwarf: L1 dwarven monk/X20

Wizard: How fast are you?
monk: 20 ft move speed

wizard: Aren't monks supposed to be fast?
monk: I said 20.

wizard: How're your saves?
monk: +40 base.. and I'm a dwarf

wizard: How's your BAB?
monk: 0

wizard: Ok. Bye. *tries to find a fighter*

Dark Archive

Netromancer wrote:

Others might not agree, but at my table I would have to say "no". While some might argue the game mechanics don't specifically forbid it, the Roleplaying aspects for me make it a big taboo.

My reasoning is based on the fact that divine classes are so much more to a character than a simple career choice. To be a Paladin, Cleric or Oracle means that a deity has invested enough thought into a character as to decide to allow said character to be a vessel for the deity's divine power. There are many clergy members around the world, but not all of them are able to actually channel the power of the deity they worship. I don't see divine power as a communal pool each divine class dips into, but rather a power granted directly and personally by the gods themselves. Albeit in a (usually) non-personal manner.

To be chosen for such a specific role as to basically be the deity's earthly messenger takes an incredible devotion and dedication to the god's agenda and alignment. At my table I won't even allow differing alignment from a divine classes patron deity. Unless the character is very strictly in line with the belief system of his chosen deity, the deity wouldn't even consider granting spells.

I'm very specific even about multi-classing within these classes. Why would a deity continue to power the spells of a character who no longer follows their path with the purest devotion? The only multi-class cleric we have at our table is a cleric who follows the path of the bard so as to sing the praises of his goddess. Even the secondary classes must somehow be in line with following the tenets of faith.

Well, that's my reasoning, but as I said earlier, some GM's might not be as hard-nosed about as I am.

I completely agree with you about Clerics/Paladins and Druids. They gain their power from a steadfast dedication to their deity. However, here is where we differ. I see nothing in the Oracle description to suggest a steadfast devotion to a deity or concept is required. What I do see suggests that the Oracle is thrust into divine power whether he wants it or not. It doesn't matter what the Oracle wants, what the Oracle thinks about his predicament. He is imbued with his power by the gods and who are mere mortals to question their decision? Who knows why the gods( yes, plural as Oracles don't worship any particular deity ) chose that particular mortal to imbue with their power? Certainly not the Oracle. I can even see the Oracle being extremely upset at the deities who have so changed his life. He never asked for it and he gets saddled with a curse to boot. I can see the Oracle being very upset with the deities who imbued him with power. I seriously doubt a newly empowered Oracle wakes up and goes "Yey! I always wanted to be be blind!" Or "Sweet! My skin now falls off my body in chunks!" Either of which could strain any relationships they are currently in.

My point is that Oracles are chosen by the gods rather than the rest of the divine classes where they choose the god.


I see your point and it's definately food for thought. I do see the Oracle as a chosen tool other than being a devoted servant. For my table it still would be the same as I wrote earlier. I guess personal choice just wouldn't be the driving factor here, but an unwelcome upheaval of a characters life. Still translating for my group as a singular deity's influence on an earthly vessal. And gods don't like to share their toys.

The idea of different gods vying for control is a great plot device, but I would probably implement it in other ways than a multi-class Oracle/Oracle.

Dark Archive

Netromancer wrote:

I see your point and it's definately food for thought. I do see the Oracle as a chosen tool other than being a devoted servant. For my table it still would be the same as I wrote earlier. I guess personal choice just wouldn't be the driving factor here, but an unwelcome upheaval of a characters life. Still translating for my group as a singular deity's influence on an earthly vessal. And gods don't like to share their toys.

The idea of different gods vying for control is a great plot device, but I would probably implement it in other ways than a multi-class Oracle/Oracle.

:) yeah. I just like the RP concept.

Contributor

I'd like to multiclass fighter/fighter/fighter/fighter/etc. so I can get a bonus combat feat at every level. :p

Dark Archive

Sean K Reynolds wrote:
I'd like to multiclass fighter/fighter/fighter/fighter/etc. so I can get a bonus combat feat at every level. :p

Lol. Yeah, that would be the reason it isn't allowed.

Sometimes it is overpowered and other times it's okay.


Honestly, I don't think a Fighterx20 would be a stronger character than a Fighter 20. Not in Pathfinder, anyway; it might not even be better in 3.5. In Pathfinder you actually lose class features for going that way, and weapon training is huge from a statistical standpoint. Also, you'd never qualify for Weapon Specialization, Greater Weapon Focus, Critical Mastery, etc etc (which is why it might not be better in 3.5).

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Draeke Raefel wrote:


So, you're saying 2 different groups of deities couldn't induce the same effect in one person? I don't think that's a reasonable assertion.

There are certain things that dieties just don't do because it would put them into direct conflict. To me that would be one of them. It's a major deal when dealing with a powerful character and lowbies aren't just worth the bother.

I'm less than fond of cheese concepts so finding a reason to deny them is never that hard for me.

Dark Archive

LazarX wrote:
Draeke Raefel wrote:


So, you're saying 2 different groups of deities couldn't induce the same effect in one person? I don't think that's a reasonable assertion.

There are certain things that dieties just don't do because it would put them into direct conflict. To me that would be one of them. It's a major deal when dealing with a powerful character and lowbies aren't just worth the bother.

I'm less than fond of cheese concepts so finding a reason to deny them is never that hard for me.

Great. Now explain why the concept is a "cheese" concept? Please? I don't see any real benefit for advancing 2 different oracle foci. You've got 2 curses, both of which would depend on your oracle lvl that attained that curse in order to get "better". Seems like it's more of a nerf concept than a "cheese" concept.


grasshopper_ea wrote:
Drachesturm wrote:
It's too bad you can't dual class in the same class. I would love to play a ranger/ranger that focuses on archery and two weapon fighting.

I can see it now, every time someone want's a saves boost they don't take iron will they take level 1 monk over and over again.

*Wizard walks into rent-a-merc looking for a meat shield*

Wizard: What're you?
dwarf: L1 dwarven monk/X20

Wizard: How fast are you?
monk: 20 ft move speed

wizard: Aren't monks supposed to be fast?
monk: I said 20.

wizard: How're your saves?
monk: +40 base.. and I'm a dwarf

wizard: How's your BAB?
monk: 0

wizard: Ok. Bye. *tries to find a fighter*

or a 1st level of fighter at every level, you'd have a +20BAB, +40 Fort saves, and 20 feats, and +0 will and reflex saves.

Dark Archive

Eric Stipe wrote:
grasshopper_ea wrote:
Drachesturm wrote:
It's too bad you can't dual class in the same class. I would love to play a ranger/ranger that focuses on archery and two weapon fighting.

I can see it now, every time someone want's a saves boost they don't take iron will they take level 1 monk over and over again.

*Wizard walks into rent-a-merc looking for a meat shield*

Wizard: What're you?
dwarf: L1 dwarven monk/X20

Wizard: How fast are you?
monk: 20 ft move speed

wizard: Aren't monks supposed to be fast?
monk: I said 20.

wizard: How're your saves?
monk: +40 base.. and I'm a dwarf

wizard: How's your BAB?
monk: 0

wizard: Ok. Bye. *tries to find a fighter*

or a 1st level of fighter at every level, you'd have a +20BAB, +40 Fort saves, and 20 feats, and +0 will and reflex saves.

Yeah, that would be great. Right up until a first level wizard cast charm person. Or a cleric casts command/dominate/hold person... etc.


Draeke Raefel wrote:
Eric Stipe wrote:
grasshopper_ea wrote:
Drachesturm wrote:
It's too bad you can't dual class in the same class. I would love to play a ranger/ranger that focuses on archery and two weapon fighting.

I can see it now, every time someone want's a saves boost they don't take iron will they take level 1 monk over and over again.

*Wizard walks into rent-a-merc looking for a meat shield*

Wizard: What're you?
dwarf: L1 dwarven monk/X20

Wizard: How fast are you?
monk: 20 ft move speed

wizard: Aren't monks supposed to be fast?
monk: I said 20.

wizard: How're your saves?
monk: +40 base.. and I'm a dwarf

wizard: How's your BAB?
monk: 0

wizard: Ok. Bye. *tries to find a fighter*

or a 1st level of fighter at every level, you'd have a +20BAB, +40 Fort saves, and 20 feats, and +0 will and reflex saves.
Yeah, that would be great. Right up until a first level wizard cast charm person. Or a cleric casts command/dominate/hold person... etc.

well a first level wizard still only has like a 50/50 chance, but yes it would be very silly and i'd laugh in the face of any dm that allowed such a monstrosity.

The Exchange Owner - D20 Hobbies

Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once.

You can't take the same class twice per RAW.

Dark Archive

James Risner wrote:
Draeke Raefel wrote:
I looked at the multi-classing section of PHB and I can't find anywhere that it says you cannot take the same class more than once.
You can't take the same class twice per RAW.

This; even if it were not denied by RAW, I wouldn't personally ever allow it (for the reasons outlined above by other posters).


ahem lets not go to camelot tiss a silly place I think sums this up nicely, Also I would allow this and only one other time would I allow them to take 1st level for the simple reason of messing with them, they would have to take two different curses, and they would not progress with total level nor would caster but only of the caster and level of the specific foci they chose, it would be a horrible gimp and hilarious. Still in normal play it is just silly of an idea and perfectly fine for RP and game plot on the other hand.

Community / Forums / Archive / Pathfinder / Playtests & Prerelease Discussions / Advanced Player's Guide Playtest / Round 1: Cavalier and Oracle / Multiclassed Oracle / Oracle? All Messageboards
Recent threads in Round 1: Cavalier and Oracle
A Cavalier's Oaths