99% of the multiclassing in wiz8 is done at the first level, and 95% of that is training stealth vs crabs.
The rest is just easing a training aspect for hybrids (Mag/Sam, etc). Multiclassing a bishop at first level makes absolutely zero sense, because the better single school is never worth -1 lvl to the other.
There is no -1 for Bishop (if you start with Bishop lvl).
Don't talk about shit you don't know about. And nobody wants to be (or needs to be) grinding crabs.
So what does the Samurai get out of that Mage level anyway? Does he get the innate bonus to Wizardry? Can this be taken beyond level 1? I'm running a samurai for my first complete playthrough, but if it's too late to benefit from it i'm not restarting. I've trained his magic to competent levels for my place in the game as it is.
A substantial boost to 4 Realm Skills, which allows him to train them much faster. Which matters a lot since he can't afford much Piety. This facilitates the development of those skills through regular play instead of degenerate grinding.
You did mention Mage 1 / Bishop, which would indeed delay non-Mage spells by one level.
I agree with you about skill grinding / “training”, it removes any challenge. It’s like playing solo Solitaire but just giving yourself whatever cards you want—what’s the point?
In fact, it you haven’t beaten a Wizardry without grinding and savescumming, you haven’t really beaten a Wizardry, get the fuck out of this thread