Which items for a sonic caster? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Which items for a sonic caster? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Trydan
08-31-03, 12:40 PM For an upcoming game, I will be playing a halfling sorcerer who specialises in sonic magic. Essentially, this little guy will try to make up for his small size by being very loud. Now, this game will be starting at level 7, and we have a 13.000 GP budget for equipment. :)

What I'm looking for, are some items to suit the "sonic magic" theme. Obviously, a thundering weapon, or the horn of blasting or simple thunderstones are all under consideration, but I was wondering whether there are any others?

Now, I don't mind if these items have no practical value - maximum roleplaying value is what is sought here.

And does anyone have any "lateral-thought" ideas about how to get as much bang-per-gold-piece out of this character concept?
Shaun O'Braun
08-31-03, 02:06 PM You know, a question like this really should go on the >Character Optimization board< (http://boards1.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=339). We know all about sonic stuff there, and we'll be sure to help you get the best bang for your buck. ;)
Trydan
08-31-03, 02:17 PM Hmm... perhaps "bang-per-gold-piece" was a bad choice of words. I'm not trying to get maximum damage or anything. Just some items that help with the idea of a really loud little sorcerer. I was looking for flavour, rather than mechanics-efficiency.

However, I'll post on the Char.Opt board as well, and see what comes up. Thanks for the suggestion! :)
Trydan
08-31-03, 02:25 PM Originally posted by Trydan
Now, I don't mind if these items have no practical value - maximum roleplaying value is what is sought here.

:eek: I can't really say that on the Character Optimisation board either. That is definately inviting flames! ;)
Golem1972
09-01-03, 01:47 AM Good idea. While I am a bit of a power gamer, I reallly enjoy seeing someone get a good character idea and going with it.

I am thinking LOUD, as in flambouyant. Not just loud sounds, but loud colors and style. You might try for an eyestraining outfit like bold colors and conflicting patterns.

On a more practical note, you might consider spending some of your money on a good mount like a griffon (5000gp) or for less money a hippogriff or pegasus (3000gp). How about getting an improved familiar (feat) like a mephit, pseudodragon, eyeball, or shocker lizard. If you go with a sorcerer/wizard multiclass, you could get two familiars (2 shocker lizards can generate a 20' spread electric attack for 2d8, if you keep several (up to 6 more) this can go up to 12d8 every round). An eyeball beholderkin will allow you to cast some of your spells as ranged touch spells through it.

You will probably go straight class, but if you don't mind multiclassing some, you could add a couple of levels of bard (extra skill points, healing spells, bardic music/bardic instruments), or sorcerer (multiple castings of your favorite spells and a second familiar).

You might also consider taking some item creation feats and saving some money on magic items. Stock up on potions and scrolls (sell them to other players).

Research some of your own spells, try to come up with a sonic missile or sonic bolt or sonic fireball etc..

How about taking the spell thematics feat and adding some noise to your spells.

As far as items go, theres not a lot, but guns make a lot of noise! There is a reason they call them boom sticks. Mostly it will be up to you to use your imagination and create some items but it might be a good idea to invest in some bardic instruments, and perhaps some strings of spell storing.

As a side note, while this is a character development idea, it is important to note that very, very few monsters are immune/resistant to sonic attacks (not even divine beings).
ArcaneGnome
09-03-03, 05:38 PM Originally posted by Golem1972

[snip]

If you go with a sorcerer/wizard multiclass, you could get two familiars (2 shocker lizards can generate a 20' spread electric attack for 2d8, if you keep several (up to 6 more) this can go up to 12d8 every round).

NOTE: levels of a multiclassed sorc/wiz (or any other class that grants a familiar) stack for purposes of their familiar. You do NOT gain two familiars. However the Extra Familiar feat from Dragon #280 lets you get another.

Back on subject: Energy Substitution: Sonic is a must. Thundering Bolts are fun too (X-bow bolts with a thunderstone at the tip). E&EG has shriek rocks, and check out Song & Silence for all that cool Bard stuff.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Trydan 08-31-03, 12:40 PM	For an upcoming game, I will be playing a halfling sorcerer who specialises in sonic magic. Essentially, this little guy will try to make up for his small size by being very loud. Now, this game will be starting at level 7, and we have a 13.000 GP budget for equipment. :) What I'm looking for, are some items to suit the "sonic magic" theme. Obviously, a thundering weapon, or the horn of blasting or simple thunderstones are all under consideration, but I was wondering whether there are any others? Now, I don't mind if these items have no practical value - maximum roleplaying value is what is sought here. And does anyone have any "lateral-thought" ideas about how to get as much bang-per-gold-piece out of this character concept?
Shaun O'Braun 08-31-03, 02:06 PM	You know, a question like this really should go on the >Character Optimization board< (http://boards1.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=339). We know all about sonic stuff there, and we'll be sure to help you get the best bang for your buck. ;)
Trydan 08-31-03, 02:17 PM	Hmm... perhaps "bang-per-gold-piece" was a bad choice of words. I'm not trying to get maximum damage or anything. Just some items that help with the idea of a really loud little sorcerer. I was looking for flavour, rather than mechanics-efficiency. However, I'll post on the Char.Opt board as well, and see what comes up. Thanks for the suggestion! :)
Trydan 08-31-03, 02:25 PM	Originally posted by Trydan Now, I don't mind if these items have no practical value - maximum roleplaying value is what is sought here. :eek: I can't really say that on the Character Optimisation board either. That is definately inviting flames! ;)
Golem1972 09-01-03, 01:47 AM	Good idea. While I am a bit of a power gamer, I reallly enjoy seeing someone get a good character idea and going with it. I am thinking LOUD, as in flambouyant. Not just loud sounds, but loud colors and style. You might try for an eyestraining outfit like bold colors and conflicting patterns. On a more practical note, you might consider spending some of your money on a good mount like a griffon (5000gp) or for less money a hippogriff or pegasus (3000gp). How about getting an improved familiar (feat) like a mephit, pseudodragon, eyeball, or shocker lizard. If you go with a sorcerer/wizard multiclass, you could get two familiars (2 shocker lizards can generate a 20' spread electric attack for 2d8, if you keep several (up to 6 more) this can go up to 12d8 every round). An eyeball beholderkin will allow you to cast some of your spells as ranged touch spells through it. You will probably go straight class, but if you don't mind multiclassing some, you could add a couple of levels of bard (extra skill points, healing spells, bardic music/bardic instruments), or sorcerer (multiple castings of your favorite spells and a second familiar). You might also consider taking some item creation feats and saving some money on magic items. Stock up on potions and scrolls (sell them to other players). Research some of your own spells, try to come up with a sonic missile or sonic bolt or sonic fireball etc.. How about taking the spell thematics feat and adding some noise to your spells. As far as items go, theres not a lot, but guns make a lot of noise! There is a reason they call them boom sticks. Mostly it will be up to you to use your imagination and create some items but it might be a good idea to invest in some bardic instruments, and perhaps some strings of spell storing. As a side note, while this is a character development idea, it is important to note that very, very few monsters are immune/resistant to sonic attacks (not even divine beings).
ArcaneGnome 09-03-03, 05:38 PM	Originally posted by Golem1972 [snip] If you go with a sorcerer/wizard multiclass, you could get two familiars (2 shocker lizards can generate a 20' spread electric attack for 2d8, if you keep several (up to 6 more) this can go up to 12d8 every round). NOTE: levels of a multiclassed sorc/wiz (or any other class that grants a familiar) stack for purposes of their familiar. You do NOT gain two familiars. However the Extra Familiar feat from Dragon #280 lets you get another. Back on subject: Energy Substitution: Sonic is a must. Thundering Bolts are fun too (X-bow bolts with a thunderstone at the tip). E&EG has shriek rocks, and check out Song & Silence for all that cool Bard stuff.