Post/Author/DateTime	Post
NorthWind 07-06-07, 08:22 PM	Hello, ladies and gentlemen of the WotC character development thread. I'm beginning to work on my first serious character background, for a sorcerer whose party function is summoning. My sorcerer, Samay Fletcher, is a young human, and I'm wondering mostly about two things: How would being able to whip up a bunch of creatures on a dime change his perception of people? His alignment is chaotic good, but I think he'd be better off as neutral good, since imposing one's will on summoned creatures doesn't seem very chaotic. and How should he have come into this power? I'm having trouble working out why a sorcerer would follow the strictures and traditions of wizardry (their spells are identical) when he's a spontaneous caster. The first idea I thought of would be that he had this magic from his early childhood, and talked his way into a local school of magic to get some instruction, but the only magic that interested him was that which pertained to the planes. Any suggestions would be appreciated, as would any questions about this character, as I tend to work best when explaining answers about things.
warwinner 07-07-07, 01:56 AM	First of all a few questions 1] why does summoning have to be wizardly 2] does he derive his power from some magical creature [dragons,angels etc] 3] does he like attention and power over others and the need to be protected at all times He'd be lawful if he relishes summoning creatures and ordering them around and formulating strategic plans and fighting involving summoned creatures If he is neutral good, he probably sees summoning as another way to get things done and nothing much else
Terjon of the Blue Rose 07-07-07, 06:18 AM	I like the idea of a summoning sorcerer as someone who likes to see their imagination come to life. "I could pretend there is a creature made of flame before me but why when I can actually call one." This would probably be a good one if you decide to keep the chaotic alignment. The other option for a chaotic summoner I like is the artist. "I sculpt life from nothingness. My creations though temporary are mighty." Of course this isn't quite how summoning (arcane or divine) works in D&D but if a DM approves it, it can be (if not maybe you just believe it does). In particular if you go with the first option ask the DM if you can use the variant where you summon specific creatures. I think its in the DMG but I'm not sure.
NorthWind 07-07-07, 10:14 AM	warwinner: 1] well, it's not summoning in particular that's wizardly, it's that sorcerers cast spells the same way as wizards do (identical components, etc.) - I hadn't really thought about that until now, and it's starting to seem a little odd. 2]I haven't quite sorted out where his power comes from, but I was thinking it comes from the planes themselves. Through magic, he can impose his will on the planes of existence. 3]Good question. He probably doesn't want power over others, but attention, maybe. Terjon: nice ideas, I'll keep those in mind. I especially like the one about summoning as an art, but the specific summon variant I may want to avoid...he'll be calling up creatures left and right, so I wouldn't want to lose summoning options if/when summoned creatures are defeated. Thanks for your input, guys.
warwinner 07-07-07, 10:16 AM	Take the eschew materials feat to cast without material components, many DM's let sorcerors take that for free