Sandshaper PrC - broken for spontaneous casters?

[Thurbane]

Hi all,

I was reading the Sandshaper PrC recently (as an upcoming part of my campaign will be set in a desert, and I was looking for a PrC for the BBEG), and it struck me that this PrC is pretty unbalanced for a spontaneous caster.

The prereqs are difficult but far from impossible (a feat, 2 skills at 4 ranks and arcane caster level 5th), meaning that any caster wishing to burn a feat and two crossclass skills can get in.

I was initially thinking "wow, this PrC adds a LOT of spells to a caster's know list", then got thinking about various base classes. One of the main balancing features of classes like Warmage or Beguiler is their relatively narrow spell focus. Taking even a single level dip into Sandshaper blows that out of the water. Admittedly, the PrC loses two levels of casting over the course of ten levels - but I think for a 1 level dip, the loss of a casting level would be worth it. Not to mention that the PrC gives Bull's Strength and Bear's Endurance as 1st level spells (typo?).

Anyone else had any issues with this PrC, or am I just overreacting?

 

[Machiavelli]

This PrC is in Sandstorm, in case anyone is wondering. Page 76.


This looks like a VERY cool class, flavor-wise. I'd absolutely LOVE to see one in play. That said, it does appear to be a bit excessive, allowing all of the physical stat-boosting spells at 1st level instead of 2nd. Also no, it doesn't look like a misprint to me. Maybe a mistake, sure, but a design decision made in full knowledge.

On the other hand, the sorcerer is already a level behind the wizard in spell level advancement, and so taking a level of Sand Shaper just exacerbates the situation. Taking 9 levels loses yet another level. (Holy ****, you think they used the term "level" enough in the casting system, just maybe?)
Playing a sorcerer, though, I might actually be okay with the 2 levels lost for the list of spells, metamagic effects, and free healing/resurrection gained. Getting more easily extended and persisted stat boosts? Icing on the cake.