danielxcutter
2016-11-30, 12:12 AM
(This is my opinion about Mystic Theurges, but it can also be applied to other dual-casting PrCs. Currently open for debate.)
Everyone says that Mystic Theurge is a very weak PrC. This makes sense, since having almost twice the number of spells doesn't really help when that's the only thing you have.
But just how weak is it? Yes, unless you're using early entry cheese, it's going to be weaker than just straight arcane or divine casters. However, I believe that even with the nerfed casting, you'll still be miles stronger than most mundanes or half casters. You have great flexiblity compared to fixed-list classes, such as Dread Necromancer, Beguiler, or Warmage. You have more spells than most mooks have hit points, so you might actually fight well against tons of weak foes. And to be honest, the only things you'll really be weak against are other level-appropriate casters and monsters with high SR.
On the other side of the screen, dual-casters don't suck as much for DM usage. The slower casting can be taken care of by pumping their CR into the lower stratosphere. Powerful single-class casters can easily wipe the floor with the PCs if not done well, but a dual-caster doesn't pack as much punch with a single spell. They aren't underwhelmingly weak either - what they lack in sheer power, they make up for that in their flexibility and stamina, since they have far more spell slots than a single PC will. There is also potential fluff-wise as well - why did he decide to learn both arcane and divine magic? How did he become so powerful? Was he ridiculed for being a jack-of-trades, or was he looked up to because of his talent in both fields, and was it his pride or their jealousy that drove him to evil? The same applies to PCs.
All in all, being a Mystic Theurge is indeed an unoptimal choice. I believe that it is, however, worth considering in certain situations, such as low-op games, or for a more complex and interesting character.
Feel free to agree, disagree, or throw in your two copper pieces.
Everyone says that Mystic Theurge is a very weak PrC. This makes sense, since having almost twice the number of spells doesn't really help when that's the only thing you have.
But just how weak is it? Yes, unless you're using early entry cheese, it's going to be weaker than just straight arcane or divine casters. However, I believe that even with the nerfed casting, you'll still be miles stronger than most mundanes or half casters. You have great flexiblity compared to fixed-list classes, such as Dread Necromancer, Beguiler, or Warmage. You have more spells than most mooks have hit points, so you might actually fight well against tons of weak foes. And to be honest, the only things you'll really be weak against are other level-appropriate casters and monsters with high SR.
On the other side of the screen, dual-casters don't suck as much for DM usage. The slower casting can be taken care of by pumping their CR into the lower stratosphere. Powerful single-class casters can easily wipe the floor with the PCs if not done well, but a dual-caster doesn't pack as much punch with a single spell. They aren't underwhelmingly weak either - what they lack in sheer power, they make up for that in their flexibility and stamina, since they have far more spell slots than a single PC will. There is also potential fluff-wise as well - why did he decide to learn both arcane and divine magic? How did he become so powerful? Was he ridiculed for being a jack-of-trades, or was he looked up to because of his talent in both fields, and was it his pride or their jealousy that drove him to evil? The same applies to PCs.
All in all, being a Mystic Theurge is indeed an unoptimal choice. I believe that it is, however, worth considering in certain situations, such as low-op games, or for a more complex and interesting character.
Feel free to agree, disagree, or throw in your two copper pieces.