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So, here's the rub... my rogue just made 4th level, and I am thinking of taking "Minor Magic" as a rogue talent, to get Acid Splash 3/day.
So, now, I am wondering if that is really a good idea after all... I mean, I like the idea of the acid splash, since that'd give me an attack in a surprise round that would be sneakable... but not a lot of versatility. Also, I would not technically be a spell caster, so, I was thinking, maybe I take a level of sorcerer instead?
Advantages:
- Unlimited use of 4 cantrips
- 2 First level spells
- Bloodline power?
- Access to the Arcane Strike feat
- Improved Will save
- Can activate Wizard/Sorcerer wands w/o UMD
Disadvantages
- Reduced BaB
- Reduced skills
- Reduced HP
- Spell Failure chance due to armor (10%)
- slowed progression on sneak attacks
Opinions? My mind is open on this. In fact, the idea of the rogue with a splash of sorcerer has been one of my favorite character concepts for a LONG time... rarely has it ever worked out well though (the last time I tried it was in a D&D 3.0 game, and I ended up being one of the "front line" combatants... we had me, a cleric, and a bunch of archers or mages. SIGH.)
In fact, the idea of the rogue with a splash of sorcerer has been one of my favorite character concepts for a LONG time...
Well, it may or may not work out as expected, but if you like the idea, go for it!
I'm currently doing something similar, though in the opposite direction. I have a sorcerer that will be taking levels of rogue. Mostly because I, too, like the idea, but also because I want to try my hand at playing an Arcane Trickster.
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Well first of all, do you have the charisma for it? Ideally, you want at least a 12 to your stat for a level of a casting class. If your intellect is higher, wizard might be a better choice.
The draconic bloodline would give you access to claws for a few rounds per day, which would be a good way of getting up close sneak attack when the conditions are right.
There are also some spells that you can cast without worry of arcane failure. Feather fall, true strike, and a few others do not have somatic components, and so can be cast in any armour you like.
My advise would be to avoid choosing spells that have saves or do damage based on caster level, as that will always be lackluster for you. Rather, choose spells with a lot of utility. You could also look into the Additional Traits feat to grab Magical Knack, which will increase your caster level by up to 2 levels. You could choose vanish from the APG as one of your spells, and with Magical Knack, it would be an invisibility spell that lasts three rounds.
When multiclassing, it's very important to realize what you are losing. It's good that you've made a list, but I'll also offer that you are delaying access to your best abilities and advanced rogue talents.
Fourth level may not be the best time to take it. I mentioned grabbing Magical Knack with Additional Traits, and if you were to do that, level 5 would be the best level to dip.
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Well first of all, do you have the charisma for it? Ideally, you want at least a 12 to your stat for a level of a casting class. If your intellect is higher, wizard might be a better choice.
For the record:
STR 13DEX 17 (at 4th level)
CON 14
INT 12
WIS 10
CHA 14
I am built as a dual-wielding, social Rogue. Decent Diplo and Bluff check, but also the typical Rogue stuff (Disable Device, Stealth, UMD, Perception).
I'm already a multi-tasker, which is why I was thinking about it.
Hadn't thought about getting Extra Traits for Magical Knack... he currently has Reactionary and Indomitable Faith (so no Magic traits)... and could pick up something else. Though, that only affects caster level, and I was probably going to pick spells where that wouldn't matter so much.
As for Vanish, even 1 round of Invisibility would be worthwhile... and you are definitely right about Feather Fall and True Strike.
Thanks for the help. I am considering it more and more.
You should consider doing Bard. You get to ignore your spell chance from armor, gets you your spells (not as many but more that minor magic), and you keep you skill points up. Arcane Duelist (APG) gets you Arcane Strike for free or Dervish Dancer (UC) gets you better mobility and you don't have to keep reminding people to user their inspire courage bonuses.
Don't forget about Feather step to get around the battle field.
Also Magus might be a good fit for you.
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Bard (arcane duelist) is actually an excellent choice. With Magical Knack you could have a three round vanish and a three round feather fall (or decent hideous laughter when aimed at the right mook).
With only a single caster level, I don't see much use in vanish. It's a standard action to cast, and you would be visible at the start of your next turn. That's not even enough time to get in a cheap shot, and barely enough time to run away (and likely would require a defensive casting to do that).
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You should consider doing Bard. You get to ignore your spell chance from armor, gets you your spells (not as many but more that minor magic), and you keep you skill points up. Arcane Duelist (APG) gets you Arcane Strike for free or Dervish Dancer (UC) gets you better mobility and you don't have to keep reminding people to user their inspire courage bonuses.
Don't forget about Feather step to get around the battle field.
Also Magus might be a good fit for you.
Ok, note the stats above.
Bard would give me 2 1st level spells per day... rather than 3 0 level. Skill points would be good, and bardic performance would be neat, but not really what I was going for. I'd prefer to do a bard as a separate character.
As for Wizard, I could see being a Transmuter (as you get the Telekinetic Fist, and the stat enhancement). Other than that?
Still, I think Sorcerer would be a better dip. More spells per day (including cantrips). Still not sure... and since I am playing tomorrow, it may be a moot point.
Yeah bards aren't for everyone and there is definitely a strong flavor to them that doesn't work well with certain concepts.
Just a note: Bards get the same number of cantrips as Sorcs but do loose 2 casts of 1st levels. They are less blasty than Sorcs and Wizards but they have healing. Also there are archetypes that give up preformance if that a issue.
Hope you game goes well tomorrow.
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"Throaty Mermaid" went well yesterday. Decided against the level of Sorcerer, and now have the minor magic (3 daily uses of Acid Splash).
Still possible I'll play with this (or another concept) at a later level, but I seem to have this aversion to multiclassing... just so hard to pass up the higher level abilities.
Still, I do see (more with my Gunslinger 2 than my Rogue 4 at this time), that the proper multiclass would be helpful to cover some holes, especially in saves!!!!
Oh, if Munny only had a Will save > +1... maybe that BBEG might have died last night... not us running.
How about a level of wizard? With a 12 int and a specialty school, that's 3 unlimited cantrips and 3 1sts per day. You'd start out knowing almost all the cantrips and 4 1sts.
You could start a spellbook and add whatever spells you like. With a bonded object, you could cast any spell you know once a day. Mount could give you a horse for 2 hours. Falling? You know Feather Fall, so cast it.
Make somebody bigger, or smaller, for a minute. Disguise yourself for 10.
The 1st level list is huge. It might be good to have access to a lot of spells, and pick the ones you think you'll need each day.