Battle Sorcerer tips [Archive] - Wizards Community

Battle Sorcerer tips [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
NerdNumber1
02-12-07, 09:07 AM I am trying to make a good battle sorcerer. I was thinking dragonwrought kobold (type: dragon+alter self (white wyrmling)=120ft fly (average), 60ft walk, 30ft burrow, 60ft swim, tiny, +2 nat armor, and nat weapons) and I'm getting races of the dragon soon (and already looked at the web enhancements). I have free proficiency with picks, so I was thinking of having a light one with a light crossbow for ranged (and a free club and sling (tied like a sash under my shirt) for back up). Any tips?
The_Shaman
02-12-07, 09:17 AM Well, with that strength kobolds get I wonder if it won't be worth it to invest in weapon finesse and use your free martial proficiency for a finessable weapon with a different kind of damage, like a kukri, for the times you won't be fighting polymorphed.

Otherwise... well, you're small and have good dexterity, so ranged attack spells might be your thing. Dragon magic is very good for kobolds, though, and since I don't have it I can't say much. However, an armor of blue ice (frostburn) would be nice for you to go with the cold theme, and some of the spells are quire nice, too.

Note: given the battle sorcerers problem with spells, the bloodline feats from Dragon 311 could be extremely useful (gain 1 more fixed spell known per level, remove a subschool from your spell list); it would also provide a good reason why your character has magical power.
NerdNumber1
02-12-07, 10:01 AM Light pick is finessable and is a piercing weapon (combined with slashing claws and a blugening club). The x4 crit might help in coup de grace (since I will most likely be one of the fastest ones in any party). Leather armor is a good starter I think. I'm not sure how much the spell cuts of the battle sorcerer will hurt.

Edit:cold theme?
The_Shaman
02-12-07, 10:09 AM Well, since you mentioned the white wyrmling, I thought that maybe you wanted to make your sorcerer more thematic - although it could have been that you just liked the stats - and link him/her with a particular dragon type, hence energy.

If you didn't want that, there's always mithral ;)
NerdNumber1
02-12-07, 10:20 AM It was just the fastest dragon that I could turn into that flies. Green wyrmlings have more natural armor and are small sized, but are slower and can't burrow. Quick question: can you alter self into a templated creature? So many things can be half-dragon, so versitility would be up, but ablity to infiltrate with alter self would be limited.
CaoSlayer
02-12-07, 10:32 AM no templates.
NerdNumber1
02-12-07, 06:38 PM I didn't think so but it was worth a try. If anyone has would confirmation that you can alter self into a templated creature, please post it! I think I may go normal sorcerer, because a kobold mage in combat seems suicidal. Also, my claw/claw/bite my be more effective than some other weapons (and is cheaper). Any advice on making a kobold fair in combat (if this isn't practicle, I'll just run away from combat). Hi dex (for ranged, hi ac, and hiding).
The Livewire
02-12-07, 06:53 PM knowstones are helpful.

Shadow magic and illusions are your friend, lots of versatility for little oomph.

Right now I'm playing a Battle Sorcerer7/Abjurant Champion 4 eventually to be Battle Sorcerer 9/ab champ 5 archmage 5 mindbender 1

Inproved familiar is actually worthwhile if you have a 12+con. With D8 HP, your familiar is more than a small bundle of easily lost XP. I have close to 80 HP at 11th level, my pseudodragon has 40. When I slap a mage armor and an (augmented) shield on him, we're talking an AC in the high 30's low 40's.

Caltrops is a good cantrip for a battle sorcerer. It's battlefield control on small scale.

Take Ray of frost or electric jolt or sonic snap.

Generally, sleep is going to be better at low levels than magic missile, just swap it out at 4th level.

Melf's Acid arrow is good for your first second level spell, no SR and continous damage.

Ability sappers (Ray of stupidity, shivering touch, even chill touch) are useful as if you can target that bad stat, you can be useful.

If you stick to one major school (See Illlusion, above) Spell focus is important. Don't over rely on one school though.
NerdNumber1
02-12-07, 07:30 PM My first 2nd lvl spell will be alter self (for a dragonwrought kobold, its better than fly and though 1/6 as long lasting it is 3 times as fast). I don't think I'll have 12+ con with a kobold (also most close combat). The pseudodragon familiar has the right draconic flavor I want but as a CN I'm not sure it is allowed. Have you ever thought of milking your pseudodragon for sleep poison. It would be similar to drow knockout poison for free.
The Livewire
02-12-07, 09:00 PM My first 2nd lvl spell will be alter self (for a dragonwrought kobold, its better than fly and though 1/6 as long lasting it is 3 times as fast). I don't think I'll have 12+ con with a kobold (also most close combat). The pseudodragon familiar has the right draconic flavor I want but as a CN I'm not sure it is allowed. Have you ever thought of milking your pseudodragon for sleep poison. It would be similar to drow knockout poison for free.

with a chance of knocking myself out. I'll pass. :-)

If you have access to Strange Lands from Sword and Sorcery there's a critter in there called a Dragoneet, it also makes a nice improved familiar.

Besides, propperly role played, a pseudodragon can be a handful. Believe me, Keth's almost made me develope MPD trying to play them both. Also leads to some funny RP moments when I'll look up where he'd be on Aesthyr's shoulder and 'reply' to him. In fact, I could just picture the arguement if I'd suggest 'milking' him. "Oh that's what you call it now... Why don't you just polymorph me into a cow and get it over with. Should I moo for you? Hey you've got breasts (aesthyr is female) can I just milk you when I want a pint..."

You get the point.

Alter self is likely one of the best spells out there for your kobold, at least until other things become available. Heck you could change into a pseudodragon. you'd not get the venom, but should still get the skill bonuses.

and Keth will be the first to tell you that Pseudodragons rule.

If you plan to cast in alter self form, you might want to check eschew components as a feat. Also precoscious apprentice (which I spelled terribly wrong, but is in the Complete Arcane) is an option.

There's a Dragon Blood Sorcerer substitution level in RoDr. You drop the familiar and gain the draconic heritate feat. Check w'your DM if you can take that with the d8 HP, might be worth it.
The_Shaman
02-12-07, 09:01 PM Hehe, I'm not sure if it'd agree. How about a white wyrmling familiar? Draconic familiars are in the Draconomicon, and generally require you to be 1 step from the dragon's alignment, with some exceptions.
NerdNumber1
02-12-07, 10:57 PM I think I get poison with the natural weapons and milking poison shouldn't be too bad, but I don't know much about psudodragon psychology. I don't have the draconomicon, but am getting races of the dragon.

Edit: I'm CN and psudodragons are NG so we are compatable.
Votan
02-13-07, 12:32 AM I am trying to make a good battle sorcerer. I was thinking dragonwrought kobold (type: dragon+alter self (white wyrmling)=120ft fly (average), 60ft walk, 30ft burrow, 60ft swim, tiny, +2 nat armor, and nat weapons) and I'm getting races of the dragon soon (and already looked at the web enhancements). I have free proficiency with picks, so I was thinking of having a light one with a light crossbow for ranged (and a free club and sling (tied like a sash under my shirt) for back up). Any tips?

Arcane Strike (Complete Warrior) is essential if you foresee ever entering melee. It's really helpful at converting spell slots into melee damage.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
NerdNumber1 02-12-07, 09:07 AM	I am trying to make a good battle sorcerer. I was thinking dragonwrought kobold (type: dragon+alter self (white wyrmling)=120ft fly (average), 60ft walk, 30ft burrow, 60ft swim, tiny, +2 nat armor, and nat weapons) and I'm getting races of the dragon soon (and already looked at the web enhancements). I have free proficiency with picks, so I was thinking of having a light one with a light crossbow for ranged (and a free club and sling (tied like a sash under my shirt) for back up). Any tips?
The_Shaman 02-12-07, 09:17 AM	Well, with that strength kobolds get I wonder if it won't be worth it to invest in weapon finesse and use your free martial proficiency for a finessable weapon with a different kind of damage, like a kukri, for the times you won't be fighting polymorphed. Otherwise... well, you're small and have good dexterity, so ranged attack spells might be your thing. Dragon magic is very good for kobolds, though, and since I don't have it I can't say much. However, an armor of blue ice (frostburn) would be nice for you to go with the cold theme, and some of the spells are quire nice, too. Note: given the battle sorcerers problem with spells, the bloodline feats from Dragon 311 could be extremely useful (gain 1 more fixed spell known per level, remove a subschool from your spell list); it would also provide a good reason why your character has magical power.
NerdNumber1 02-12-07, 10:01 AM	Light pick is finessable and is a piercing weapon (combined with slashing claws and a blugening club). The x4 crit might help in coup de grace (since I will most likely be one of the fastest ones in any party). Leather armor is a good starter I think. I'm not sure how much the spell cuts of the battle sorcerer will hurt. Edit:cold theme?
The_Shaman 02-12-07, 10:09 AM	Well, since you mentioned the white wyrmling, I thought that maybe you wanted to make your sorcerer more thematic - although it could have been that you just liked the stats - and link him/her with a particular dragon type, hence energy. If you didn't want that, there's always mithral ;)
NerdNumber1 02-12-07, 10:20 AM	It was just the fastest dragon that I could turn into that flies. Green wyrmlings have more natural armor and are small sized, but are slower and can't burrow. Quick question: can you alter self into a templated creature? So many things can be half-dragon, so versitility would be up, but ablity to infiltrate with alter self would be limited.
CaoSlayer 02-12-07, 10:32 AM	no templates.
NerdNumber1 02-12-07, 06:38 PM	I didn't think so but it was worth a try. If anyone has would confirmation that you can alter self into a templated creature, please post it! I think I may go normal sorcerer, because a kobold mage in combat seems suicidal. Also, my claw/claw/bite my be more effective than some other weapons (and is cheaper). Any advice on making a kobold fair in combat (if this isn't practicle, I'll just run away from combat). Hi dex (for ranged, hi ac, and hiding).
The Livewire 02-12-07, 06:53 PM	knowstones are helpful. Shadow magic and illusions are your friend, lots of versatility for little oomph. Right now I'm playing a Battle Sorcerer7/Abjurant Champion 4 eventually to be Battle Sorcerer 9/ab champ 5 archmage 5 mindbender 1 Inproved familiar is actually worthwhile if you have a 12+con. With D8 HP, your familiar is more than a small bundle of easily lost XP. I have close to 80 HP at 11th level, my pseudodragon has 40. When I slap a mage armor and an (augmented) shield on him, we're talking an AC in the high 30's low 40's. Caltrops is a good cantrip for a battle sorcerer. It's battlefield control on small scale. Take Ray of frost or electric jolt or sonic snap. Generally, sleep is going to be better at low levels than magic missile, just swap it out at 4th level. Melf's Acid arrow is good for your first second level spell, no SR and continous damage. Ability sappers (Ray of stupidity, shivering touch, even chill touch) are useful as if you can target that bad stat, you can be useful. If you stick to one major school (See Illlusion, above) Spell focus is important. Don't over rely on one school though.
NerdNumber1 02-12-07, 07:30 PM	My first 2nd lvl spell will be alter self (for a dragonwrought kobold, its better than fly and though 1/6 as long lasting it is 3 times as fast). I don't think I'll have 12+ con with a kobold (also most close combat). The pseudodragon familiar has the right draconic flavor I want but as a CN I'm not sure it is allowed. Have you ever thought of milking your pseudodragon for sleep poison. It would be similar to drow knockout poison for free.
The Livewire 02-12-07, 09:00 PM	My first 2nd lvl spell will be alter self (for a dragonwrought kobold, its better than fly and though 1/6 as long lasting it is 3 times as fast). I don't think I'll have 12+ con with a kobold (also most close combat). The pseudodragon familiar has the right draconic flavor I want but as a CN I'm not sure it is allowed. Have you ever thought of milking your pseudodragon for sleep poison. It would be similar to drow knockout poison for free. with a chance of knocking myself out. I'll pass. :-) If you have access to Strange Lands from Sword and Sorcery there's a critter in there called a Dragoneet, it also makes a nice improved familiar. Besides, propperly role played, a pseudodragon can be a handful. Believe me, Keth's almost made me develope MPD trying to play them both. Also leads to some funny RP moments when I'll look up where he'd be on Aesthyr's shoulder and 'reply' to him. In fact, I could just picture the arguement if I'd suggest 'milking' him. "Oh that's what you call it now... Why don't you just polymorph me into a cow and get it over with. Should I moo for you? Hey you've got breasts (aesthyr is female) can I just milk you when I want a pint..." You get the point. Alter self is likely one of the best spells out there for your kobold, at least until other things become available. Heck you could change into a pseudodragon. you'd not get the venom, but should still get the skill bonuses. and Keth will be the first to tell you that Pseudodragons rule. If you plan to cast in alter self form, you might want to check eschew components as a feat. Also precoscious apprentice (which I spelled terribly wrong, but is in the Complete Arcane) is an option. There's a Dragon Blood Sorcerer substitution level in RoDr. You drop the familiar and gain the draconic heritate feat. Check w'your DM if you can take that with the d8 HP, might be worth it.
The_Shaman 02-12-07, 09:01 PM	Hehe, I'm not sure if it'd agree. How about a white wyrmling familiar? Draconic familiars are in the Draconomicon, and generally require you to be 1 step from the dragon's alignment, with some exceptions.
NerdNumber1 02-12-07, 10:57 PM	I think I get poison with the natural weapons and milking poison shouldn't be too bad, but I don't know much about psudodragon psychology. I don't have the draconomicon, but am getting races of the dragon. Edit: I'm CN and psudodragons are NG so we are compatable.
Votan 02-13-07, 12:32 AM	I am trying to make a good battle sorcerer. I was thinking dragonwrought kobold (type: dragon+alter self (white wyrmling)=120ft fly (average), 60ft walk, 30ft burrow, 60ft swim, tiny, +2 nat armor, and nat weapons) and I'm getting races of the dragon soon (and already looked at the web enhancements). I have free proficiency with picks, so I was thinking of having a light one with a light crossbow for ranged (and a free club and sling (tied like a sash under my shirt) for back up). Any tips? Arcane Strike (Complete Warrior) is essential if you foresee ever entering melee. It's really helpful at converting spell slots into melee damage.