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View Full Version : [D&D 3.5 Feat] Alternative Source [A feat to change casting type]



Xuldarinar
2013-03-26, 07:21 AM
Alternative Source
Prerequisites: Able to cast 1st-level spells, 1st-level infusions, least invocations, 1st-level mysteries, or manifest 1st-level powers.
Benefit: For the purpose of casting spells, meeting prerequisites, and so on, you may treat a class that at this level you are taking your first level in as being a different type. For example, a 1st level cleric selecting this feat could choose to instead cast their spells as arcane spells. The options are as follows: Arcane, Divine, Infusion, Psionic, Shadow.
Special: You can only take this feat upon taking the first level in a class that grants spells. Classes like the wizard and cleric require that you take this feat at their first level, however classes like the paladin or ranger must take this feat at the level they acquire spells, not at 1st level.
Special: You may acquire this feat more than once, but only once per applicable class.



In short, here are the classes that can use this:

Any arcane spellcasting class (Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard, ect.)
Any divine spellcasting class (Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, ect.)
Any manifesting class (Psion, Psionic Warrior, Wilder, ect.)
Any invoking class (Warlock)
Any infusion-using class (Artificer, Psionic Artificer)
Any mystery-using class (Shadowcaster)


What does it do? Why would I want to use this?

Well, lets start where its simplest. Lets say you want to play a cleric, but theres a PrC you want to access that requires arcane casting. You can then just take this feat at 1st level level and make the cleric an arcane caster. Yes you would deal with arcane spell failure, but you'd have everything else of the cleric's.

Aside from the divine bard, there are no (as far as I know) core class variants that flip arcane to divine. lets say you wanted to be a divine wizard, but not an archivist. You could do that. You could be a Sorcerer/Wizard/Mystic theurge if you wanted (don't know why you would per say, but to each their own.)

Now we get a little more complicated. What does it do to our friend the warlock. Well, remember the rule on entering Prestige classes, Arcane casting level or Invocations known. Warlocks with this would just change the type of caster level. From Arcane casting level to; Divine Casting Level, Manifesting Level, ect. This opens a few doors, but not many. You can argue it changes the label of invocations, but unless the prerequisite is, for example, able to cast arcane spells or able to manifest powers, it won't change much. You still won't qualify for those things that talk about spell/power level.

The artificer with this could suddenly qualify for much more in that their infusions would instead be treated as spells for prerequisites. Though, I know very few that would sacrifice the capabilities of a full blown artificer.

Shadowcasters, while some of their flavor may change, with this could qualify for the same things normal casters can. Their system doesn't change, just how prerequisites interact with them. Same going for anyone who selects shadow with the feat, it simply allows them to be treated as mystery users. Keep in mind, mysteries unless you have a means by which they are progressed to spell-like abilities and supernatural abilities, are subject to arcane spell failure.

Psionics can complicate matters, but only slightly. Its advised you swap out the appropriate skills when taking this feat.

Again, remember. Systems don't change. Stats don't change. Lists don't change. Only the label and what the label brings. Your not changing spontaneous or prepared, only the force backing it up.