Changeling Dual Master Spec?

[2xMachina]

What happens when a Dual Specialist (changeling sub) takes Master specialist? Do they get double the bonuses (exoterica, GSF), but also require 2 SF?

[Kelb_Panthera]

I see three arguments for this one. Either A) they require SF for both schools B) they require only one SF but you only get the bonuses for that school C) they only require one SF but still advance both schoos because you are still specialized in both. As a DM I'd go with B and have A as an option. For clarity, that is they only have to take SF once, but unless they take it twice MS only advances the school you took SF for.

[Zaq]

If you want to be a real RAW hard-ass, they can't do it, because the Dual Specialization option says that "this substitution feature replaces the standard wizard's specialization option." The problem with that is that it also rules out Focused Specialists from getting in, which is clearly not RAI. As a GM, I'd rule that you can choose one school or the other and stick with it, but that's not what's in the book.

[Indoran]

I see three arguments for this one. Either A) they require SF for both schools B) they require only one SF but you only get the bonuses for that school C) they only require one SF but still advance both schoos because you are still specialized in both. As a DM I'd go with B and have A as an option. For clarity, that is they only have to take SF once, but unless they take it twice MS only advances the school you took SF for.

+1 to B

DM's IMHO are there not to be judges of RAW but to interpret...

C is an option, but not a very balanced one... (yes, yes... Wizards are not balanced, even more reason not to give them extra power)

[Eloel]

C is Planar Shepherd level optimization
A is Incantatrix level optimization
B is Batman level optimization

Take of that what you will.