Not to get into any specifics, but I ran into this conundrum when, {for a Bard/Wizard character} I would have to make a choice for there LV20 class feat, of either getting an additional 10th level spell slot, or getting the 'Master Spellcasting' feat which {in combination with the 'Breadth' class feat) would give them an extra 5th, 6th 7th and 8th level slot.
Now this is not a question specifically for that character {although you are perfectly happy to comment on it) but on a more general {and perhaps case by case bases, as this decision can very much be based on class combinations, builds, party compositions, good old roleplaying, ect}, which one would you choose= The Extra 10th level spell slot or the Extra 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th level spell slot?
{For the record, the character in question is a rebuild of a old PF1 character, just to see how he would look in the PF2 system, now that I have a better understanding of it, and will never see any actual play. Leaning towards the 5th-8th options has he loved to find ways of casting spells from others lists, and he likes the versatility in being able to swap out spells each day, plus his biggest fear in PF1 was running out of magic when he needed it most, and this gives him more slots to cast. However, his biggest dream in PF1 was to cast 'Wish' something which is now technically possible to do from his own slots thanks to 'Impossible Polymath', and I could see him after achieving this goal, of him wanting to cast 'Wish' but twice.)
Personally I'd lean more toward the multiple extra slots, but I also think that taking it on a character-by-character basis is a good rule. I tend to like having a grab bag with more possible toys in it over one with fewer, but more powerful toys, though that's just me.
It's real easy to see arguments for that extra 10th-level slot, particularly when you remember that it is also technically any other spell on that tradition's list of 9th level or lower you could want.
And you really really really can't switch the build around to get both? Master Arcane at 18 and the 10th level slot at 20?
If not, I'd go with master arcane, simply because it's the archetype's capstone and not picking it up when you've already invested 4 feats is a waste.
Blave wrote: And you really really really can't switch the build around to get both? Master Arcane at 18 and the 10th level slot at 20?
If not, I'd go with master arcane, simply because it's the archetype's capstone and not picking it up when you've already invested 4 feats is a waste.
Unfortunately 'Impossible Polymath' is a LV18 feat, so the only feat slot let for it is LV20. For the concept relating back to PF1, its the ultimate, steal a spell from any list, and have the versatility to change afterwards. Thanks to a Ring of Spell Knowledge, he actually did carry a spellbook that had spells from many different classes, and would switch out the spell as different situations arose in PF1. Plus its going to be how he finally casts Wish :p. And from a more personal taste {note this not a comment on feats themselves, just personal preference} I would choose 'Impossible polymath' over the other two. I'm a sucker for versatility, and Impossible Polymath technically gives you access to every single spell in the game, and any future spell that will be printed {not withstanding the availability of 'Uncommon' and Higher of course.)
But thanks for the input, the Master Arcane for this concept is what I'm leaning towards. Also thanks Perpdepog for the comment and thoughts as well.
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Why do you need Wish if you can cast Alter Reality, which is pretty much the same spell?
I get that Impossible Polymath is tempting. But if you get Master Wizard Spellcasting, you can already cast up to 8th level arcane spells in addition to all occult spells.
Alter Reality gives you access to all spells up to 7th level. So getting Impossible Polymath over Master Wizard + extra 10th level slot will give you access to only 23 spells.
3 of those are redundant (Wish, Miracle, Primal Phenomenon). So you're down to 20 Spells (4 of them uncommon). Without checking this in even more detail, I'd say on average at least 10 of those are not interesting to you (because they are bad spells, easily replaced by a different spell or simply not your style).
So, an 18th level feat to get access to 10 spells, which you then need to hunt down and add to your spellbook, using time and money. Those numbers will of course increae with the release of additional books, but so will Alter Reality's flexibility. And you'd still need to add all those new spells to your book and have ony one of them available each day.
Worth it? That's up to you to decide.
Again, this thread is not for direct help with the character itself, he is just a remake of a long time character PF1, that will never actually be played with. Yes, there are options which would be mechanical better, but would not fit the concept, or the back story . For example I know Alter Reality is just the Occult Wish, however one of his goals in PF1 was to cast Wish, and now he can. As far as hunting the spells down, and cost, you may want to look at the Magical Shorthand feat. (Not just for this but in general for anyone that has a spellbook.) Plus, going back to character concept he is a Gnome, with a good long life span, and may use that spell research to help stave of the Bleaching for a while. And he would spend a bit of his off time in PF1 to add spells to his little spell book.
The only reason for the mention of the character was to give contextual backstory behind the question, and has a possible spring broad to the topic at large between having more smaller spells, or one bigger spell. So to get this thread back on track, with less words=
If you had the option between a 10th level spell slot, or a 5th 6th 7th and 8th level spell slot, which one would you pick? (Knowing of course answers may change based on class combination, builds, role playing, party make up, etc)
Ignoring all other factors like different traditions and feats invested, I'd go with the 10th level spell slot. By the time you make that decision, you already have 3 (or 4) spells of all levels below 10. You've survived 19 levels without those 4 additional spell slots, so getting one more slot of the highest possible power would be my pick.
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