Help with my 4th-level Mystic Theurge


Advice


So, looking to stat out a 4th-level Mystic Theurge. Currently looking at a Halfling Demondand-Spawn Tiefling (+2 CON, +2 WIS, -2 CHA, bear's endurance, and small size due to Halfling being the base race) with one level of Cleric, one level of Sorceror (Empyreal), one level of Monk, and then entering the Mystic Theurge class at 4th level (though the three base classes will not be taken necessarily in that order).

Now, for this to work, I am under the assumption that bear's endurance counts as both a 2nd-level arcane AND divine spell due to the errata regarding SLAs qualifying as PrC prereqs (found here), and therefore meets the Mystic Theurge PrC entrance prereqs (assuming I take Kn[Arcane] and Kn[Religion]). If I am incorrect, please let me know (and perhaps suggest a way for this to work).

If everything is good, then any suggestions on stats (point-buy, 20 pts) and class choices would be helpful.

NOTE: Also, I don't think the campaign I will play this character in will go longer than level 14, but, should it, any suggestions on what to go into after Mystic Theurge is up would be appreciated.

Silver Crusade

Is bear's endurance granted by that Tiefling variant? It'll count as arcane but not as divine, because sorc/wiz takes precedence when determining classification of SLA granted by race (see FAQ immediately below one linked).

But fear not! Grab the Trickery domain (via Separatist archetype if necessary) and the copycat ability will qualify as 2nd-lvl divine because granted by divine class (same FAQ) and because "based on" a 2nd-level spell (hashed out in FAQ thread, with designer confirmation, can dig up later when not on phone if you're curious).

Sounds like there's some good fun potential with this combo, too. What sort of theme/approach/flavor are you going for?


That particular combo doesn't work. According to the FAQ, if the base spell appears on the sorcerer/wizard list, as bear's endurance does, the SLA is arcane, and arcane only.

The method posted above is invalid for the same reasons--mirror image doesn't even appear on any divine lists, and a stingy GM might tell you that the Copycat ability doesn't explicitly grant the spell as an SLA anyway, only an ability that works similar to it.

It's predictably more difficult to get divine SLAs, but not impossible. You could take the Fate inquistion with your 1 level of cleric, which grants augury (this may have been the method Joe M. was thinking of, mentioned in this thread), or you could be an Agathion-blooded aasimar, which grants summon nature's ally II. There may be other ways.

Is the monk dip solely for Wis to AC? I like the synergy with the cleric and Empyreal sorcerer. However, while I've never rolled up a MT myself, I imagine those who have would make sure you realize the risks of further slowing your already-gimped casting progression. The +4 AC will be nice at low levels, but it won't be as fun when you're a 5th-level character still casting 1st-level arcane spells.


Joe M. wrote:
Is bear's endurance granted by that Tiefling variant?

Yessir!

Joe M. wrote:
It'll count as arcane but not as divine, because sorc/wiz takes precedence when determining classification of SLA granted by race (see FAQ immediately below one linked).

D'OH! And this is why we read ALL the errata!

Joe M. wrote:
But fear not! Grab the Trickery domain (via Separatist archetype if necessary) and the copycat ability will qualify as 2nd-lvl divine because granted by divine class (same FAQ) and because "based on" a 2nd-level spell (hashed out in FAQ thread, with designer confirmation, can dig up later when not on phone if you're curious)

HURRAY! And this is also the reason I am glad I come to you guys with my questions. I'll go ahead and use this (I wasn't set on a deity or domain anyhow).

Joe M. wrote:
What sort of theme/approach/flavor are you going for?

To be honest, I just want to make sure it works first before I go for flavor. I suppose the Tiefling option could allow me the redemption/temptation angle, but, seeing as how I picked Tiefling to help me circumvent the prereq, I could just as well go with a Half-Elf with Drow Magic (getting, among other spells, darkness) and the +2 WIS (which I may need).

BUT! I am looking at possibly using this character to find the Divine Average: basically, how good do you have to be to be JUST good enough to make it into heaven? With a background in divine and arcane, I want to mesh the logical with the spiritual, and this kind of does it.

Or maybe I will try and be an actual Santa Claus using my power to accomplish what all St. Nick is said to be able to do while spreading my religion (or, at least, the 'goodness' aspect of it) to all!

Or I could just be a raging badass who wields the power of gods and nature. Not really sure!


@Zahmahkibo: I see. So Agathion-blooded would work for the divine SLA, but, assuming I go with the Fate Inq for the divine, would the continual flame provided by the Archon-blooded variant suffice for the arcane requirement (as it's a wizard/sorc 2, but a cleric/druid 3)? If so, I could go with that (and still get the +2 WIS)

The Monk is primarily for the AC and saves, yes. It does also give me IUS as well as a 'free' feat, but really it's for the early AC and saves. Would you then suggest maybe taking two levels of sorc to even out my divine/arcane and ensure having at least 2nd-level spells in both arcane and divine by 5? There is also the option of going Wizard instead of Sorc, but that makes me a little more MAD. However, as I don't really have any other stat to worry about other than WIS at the moment, it may not be too much of a task to have INT and WIS up.

Silver Crusade

Zahmahkibo wrote:

The method posted above is invalid for the same reasons--mirror image doesn't even appear on any divine lists, and a stingy GM might tell you that the Copycat ability doesn't explicitly grant the spell as an SLA anyway, only an ability that works similar to it.

Alright, since it's necessary. Here are my sources.

Here's the first, from the FAQ mentioned:

FAQ wrote:

For spell-like abiities gained from a class, use the spell type (arcane or divine) of that class to determine whether the spell-like ability is arcane or divine. If the class doesn't cast spells, use the above rule for spell-like abilities from race or type.

Edit 9/23/13: Wording updated to clarify racial/type SLAs vs. class SLAs.

Here's the second, designer (at the time) Sean K Reynolds's answer to the question in FAQ thread on the topic. See thread as a whole, including his follow-up below, for context for his not-straightforward answer. But I assure you I represent the per-Paizo rule correctly.

SKR wrote:

Q: What is the spell level of a Spell-Like Ability that acts as an existing spell, but with some changes?

A: If it cites an existing spell, and you know the spell level of that spell, what effective spell level do you think the spell-like ability is? And if it doesn't cite an existing spell, is there a rule or FAQ telling you how to determine its effective spell level?

All that said! — your GM could always rule otherwise! (And I'm not sure I'd blame any GM who did!)


@Joe M.: Roger. Well, then it comes down to the GM, then. Good to know!

For the moment, though, let's assume that I can use any of those options to get to MT by 4th level. If we do so, I have a couple of questions regarding race and want to hear what you (and anyone else!) have to say about them:

Aasimar (Archon-blooded):

-+2 WIS, +2 CON
-Gets continual flame which can be used as a Wiz/Sorc spell (as per the FAQ. Fulfills the arcane prereq
-Grab Fate Inquisition for augury to fulfill divine prereq

Half-Elf:

-+2 WIS (or +2 INT if Wizard)
-Take Drow Magic for darkness to fulfill arcane prereq
-Grab Fate Inquisition for augury to fulfill divine prereq

Samsaran:

-+2 WIS, +2 INT
-Redacted (any idea how to get arcane prereq if this route?)
-Grab Fate Inquisition for augury to fulfill divine prereq
*Take racial ability to add 1 + X number of spells from non Wiz/Clr spell lists to own list

These seem like the three best options for my character. Wizard can be taken instead of Sorc as the only two stats I would then need are INT and WIS (and it also keeps their progression the same if I go Monk).

OR! Would it still be better to forgo Monk to get one of those two classes a boost in power? And, if so, which one?


I stand corrected. Thanks for providing the sources, Joe. That's definitely a more logical ruling than my earlier impression. With the links provided, Copycat should definitely count as a mirror image SLA.

Continual flame and darkness both fulfill the 2nd-level arcane requirement. For Samsaran, I'm not sure. None of their SLAs are above first level, and their crazy bonus spells ability doesn't help as far as I can tell.


Alright, after looking it over, I think I am going to go with the Half-Elf.

Here is a basic look at what the character will look like at level 4:

Half-Elf Mystic Theurge:

Sohei Monk (1) - Wizard [Void] (1) - Separitist Cleric [Travel/Fated Inq] (1) - MT (1)
Half-Elf (Drow Magic; Thinblood Resilience)

(15 pt)
STR 7 -2
DEX 11 +0
CON 12 +1
INT 16 +3 | 17 +3 [4th lvl]
WIS 16 +3 | 18 +4 [Racial]
CHA 7 -2

FORT - +5 / REF - +2 / WILL - +11

1st - Sohei Monk (1)
*IUS
Monk Feat - Dodge
1st Feat - Spell Focus (Conjuration)*
\Devoted Guardian
\Drow Magic - darkness, faerie fire, dancing lights; 1/day [arcane SLA]
\Keen Senses - +2 Perception
\Thinblood Resilience - +2 FORT vs. poison/diseases; poison use
2nd - Separitist Cleric [Travel/Fated Inq] (1)
\Channel Energy (1d6)
\Cast augury 1/day [divine SLA]
\+10 base speed
3rd - Wizard [Void] (1)
3rd Feat - Augment Summon*
\+2 vs. spells/SLA
4th - Mystic Theurge (1)

Spells/Skills (TBD)

Not solid on my feat choices at 1st and 3rd, nor am I sold on the Travel Domain choice. The Void arcane school choice is due to the powerful +2 to all saves vs. spells and SLAs, but I am happy to change it if there are better options.

Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated!


If one wants to get grammatically technical these builds would not work since the MT requires "Spells" plural, your build just casts spell singular


No one here wants to hear that, Mark.

The Exchange

Mark-the-Aardvark wrote:

If one wants to get grammatically technical these builds would not work since the MT requires "Spells" plural, your build just casts spell singular

Technically the ability to cast "spells" could also mean the ability to cast a single spell multiple times. For example, "I cast darkness 3 times in that battle to help cover our escape, those were some useful spells that I cast."


If you're willing to sacrifice just a wee bit of power for flavour, the obvious partner for the void school and fated inquisition would be a domain like death or souls (worship Pharasma if in Golarion). Fated/Divination school/Knowledge domain would be another natural partnership.

On the other hand, I have to wonder why a level of monk seems like a good idea to you. At the level given (4th) it's the difference between having 2nd level spells in one class and having only 1st level spells. Wizard 2/Cleric 1 or vice versa would seem better to me.


Dirge Of Hubris wrote:
No one here wants to hear that, Mark.

especially Discomancer from the GM of the campaign when he attempts to build the character. Best for him to not be surprised if the argument is used.


Discomancer wrote:

Alright, after looking it over, I think I am going to go with the Half-Elf.

Here is a basic look at what the character will look like at level 4:

** spoiler omitted **

Not solid on my feat choices at 1st and 3rd, nor am I sold on the Travel Domain choice. The Void arcane school choice is due to the powerful +2 to all saves vs. spells and SLAs, but I am happy to change it if there are better options.

Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated!

I do think a wiz, cleric combo is the way to go. The trait magical Hack will be nice to up CL. I know I also like combat casting for the concentration checks. Just my 2 cents on the build. Is your GM allowing Clerics to take Inquisitions? I was under the impression they were inquisitor only unless stated otherwise in the archetype.

Liberty's Edge

Mark-the-Aardvark wrote:
If one wants to get grammatically technical these builds would not work since the MT requires "Spells" plural, your build just casts spell singular

The Pathfinder Design Team disagrees with this interpretation.


Deadmanwalking wrote:
Mark-the-Aardvark wrote:
If one wants to get grammatically technical these builds would not work since the MT requires "Spells" plural, your build just casts spell singular
The Pathfinder Design Team disagrees with this interpretation.

Thank You, I couldn't find it myself. It does bring into question though the Arcane trickster which clearly says "one spell" as appose to all the rest of prestige classes. Discomancer should have this page on his smart phone to prove he can do it to his GM

Liberty's Edge

Mark-the-Aardvark wrote:
Deadmanwalking wrote:
Mark-the-Aardvark wrote:
If one wants to get grammatically technical these builds would not work since the MT requires "Spells" plural, your build just casts spell singular
The Pathfinder Design Team disagrees with this interpretation.

Thank You, I couldn't find it myself. It does bring into question though the Arcane trickster which clearly says "one spell" as appose to all the rest of prestige classes. Discomancer should have this page on his smart phone to prove he can do it to his GM

You're quite welcome. Always happy to be of assistance.


There's even a guide for early entry with SLAs.

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