domain wizard question

[taltamir]

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/cl...ntDomainWizard

am I missing something, or does the domain wizard get a bunch of bonuses over the generalist wizard without giving up a single thing?

[Ernir]

You're not missing anything.

[Gnaritas]

Yes, it is better than a generalist wizard.

[PhoenixRivers]

It's giving up specialization. Same as a generalist wizard. It gets benefits for that. Unlike a generalist wizard.

They wanted to make generalist wizards have nice things too.

[Kaiyanwang]

It's giving up specialization. Same as a generalist wizard. It gets benefits for that. Unlike a generalist wizard.

They wanted to make generalist wizards have nice things too.

So, is not my UA italian version that is flawed.. it's really that way.

it's, less dire, the same mindset behind lightining warrior!*


*assuming LW it's serious of course

[taltamir]

ok, it gives up specialization, but the generalist wizard also gives up specialization... this is "generalist + free stuff" basically. there is no reason to ever play a generalist with this there (well ok, you should probably focus specialize anyways, but this doesn't require you to even give up anything).

[lesser_minion]

My guess is that that particular variant is supposed to be used instead of the normal specialisation rules, not alongside them - basically, every wizard is a domain wizard, or no wizards are.

Despite the fact that it appears in a section that very clearly discusses multiclassing between standard and variant classes...

[taltamir]

A wizard who uses the arcane domain system (called a domain wizard) selects a specific arcane domain of spells, much like a cleric selects a pair of domains associated with his deity. A domain wizard cannot also be a specialist wizard; in exchange for the versatility given up by specializing in a domain instead of an entire school, the domain wizard casts her chosen spells with increased power.

Doesn't seem like it is restricting all wizards in existence to being domain wizards. only wizards who choose to be domain wizards.

[Runestar]

Doesn't seem like it is restricting all wizards in existence to being domain wizards. only wizards who choose to be domain wizards.

Except that if you are not specializing, then there is no reason not to go domain wizard.

[lesser_minion]

Doesn't seem like it is restricting all wizards in existence to being domain wizards. only wizards who choose to be domain wizards.

Maybe not, but that seems like the only way to use this variant. I guess it could be a stealth patch and the designers don't actually want you using the non-variant generalist wizard, but...

Yeah, it's insane.

[Tyndmyr]

Except that if you are not specializing, then there is no reason not to go domain wizard.

This is correct.

I'm currently using domain wizard in a real life game, and it's rather interesting. I chose Storm Domain, on the basis that it gives me spells not generally found on my class list. If you're gonna be a generalist, may as well take it to an extreme. Also, it synergized nicely with my reserve feat, since a couple of the listed spells were lightening based.

[Pluto]

Except that if you are not specializing, then there is no reason not to go domain wizard.

Well, you could be an Elf.

But yeah.

[taltamir]

is there a reason why a domain wizard will not qualify for elven generalist?

[Pluto]

is there a reason why a domain wizard will not qualify for elven generalist?

It has to give up specialization twice.

[faceroll]

Except that if you are not specializing, then there is no reason not to go domain wizard.

Elven racial sub is pretty decent. The bonus spells known are very helpful in certain campiagns.

[Tyndmyr]

It has to give up specialization twice.

I think it's listed in domain wizard as "you cannot specialize" as a consequence of taking this option.

I don't think the ability to specialize is a requirement to take it.

[Pluto]

I think it's listed in domain wizard as "you cannot specialize" as a consequence of taking this option.

I don't think the ability to specialize is a requirement to take it.

If you don't have the ability to specialize, you don't have a class feature for Elf sub levels to replace.

[taltamir]

Elven racial sub is pretty decent. The bonus spells known are very helpful in certain campiagns.

but domain wizards get spell known bonus as well, and also extra powers. so they are better. besides, with collegiate you shouldn't be hurting for spells, even with a DM that has a policy of "absolutely no spells gained except on levelup"

[Kylarra]

but domain wizards get spell known bonus as well, and also extra powers. so they are better. besides, with collegiate you shouldn't be hurting for spells, even with a DM that has a policy of "absolutely no spells gained except on levelup"

Domain wizards don't really get extra powers. Elven generalist certainly gets less bonus spells than a domain wizard, but they have versatility in not needing to fill their slots with a prechosen domain.

[faceroll]

but domain wizards get spell known bonus as well, and also extra powers. so they are better. besides, with collegiate you shouldn't be hurting for spells, even with a DM that has a policy of "absolutely no spells gained except on levelup"

The spells known for domain wizards are all core, and there are few lists with more than a couple good spells. Also note that you are only getting nine pre-chosen spells while elven sub levels get you 18 of any spells you like.

[Runestar]

Domain wizards don't really get extra powers. Elven generalist certainly gets less bonus spells than a domain wizard, but they have versatility in not needing to fill their slots with a prechosen domain.

That versatility comes at a price though. Elven sub has just 1 slot with which to fill with a desired spell, domain wizard eventually grants up to 9 extra slots.

Versatility is good and all, but I think that past a certain point, it isn't all that hot if you consider what you have to give up.

I mean, between normal elf wiz and elf wiz+sub, the choice is clear. But between domain wiz and elf wiz sub? I think I still prefer domain wiz (which also lets you sub out the familiar for another feature).

[Kylarra]

That versatility comes at a price though. Elven sub has just 1 slot with which to fill with a desired spell, domain wizard eventually grants up to 9 extra slots.

Versatility is good and all, but I think that past a certain point, it isn't all that hot if you consider what you have to give up.

I mean, between normal elf wiz and elf wiz+sub, the choice is clear. But between domain wiz and elf wiz sub? I think I still prefer domain wiz (which also lets you sub out the familiar for another feature).

Elven Generalist doesn't prevent you from subbing out the familiar.

The Domain Wizard may edge out the Elven Generalist slightly in overall power, assuming your domain spells are always relevant, but it is by no means a strictly greater pick.

[taltamir]

A domain wizard casts spells from her chosen domain (regardless of whether the spell was prepared as a domain spell or a normal spell) as a caster one level higher than her normal level. This bonus applies only to the spells listed for the domain, not all spells of the school or subtype whose name matches the domain name.

In some cases, an arcane domain includes spells not normally on the wizard's class spell list. These spells are treated as being on the character's class spell list (and thus she can use wands or arcane scrolls that hold those spells, or even prepare those spells in her normal wizard spell slots).

those were the "extra powers" I referred to... not earth shattering, but nice. and you don't have to be an elf so you can play a superior race, like humans.

domain wizards:
+9 spells known (preselected bundle)
+9 spell slots
+1 to CL of the 9 specific spells
+choose any race

elven generalist:
+20 spells known
-must be an elf.

[Kylarra]

those were the "extra powers" I referred to... not earth shattering, but nice. and you don't have to be an elf so you can play a superior race, like humans.

Star and Grey Elves make fine wizards TYVM.

domain wizards:
+9 spells known (preselected bundle)
+9 spell slots
+1 to CL of the 9 specific spells
+choose any race

elven generalist:
+20 spells known
-must be an elf.

Elven generalist also has their floating highest spell slot.

[taltamir]

Star and Grey Elves make fine wizards TYVM.

so... do star elves live in "the star" and gray elves in "the gray"?

[Kylarra]

so... do star elves live in "the star" and gray elves in "the gray"?

Yes.

Just as Whisper Gnomes live in "the whisper".
Shield Dwarves live in "the shield".
Strongheart Halflings live in "the strongheart".