Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Endarire 12-13-06, 04:10 AM	I envision my strongheart halfling wizard to mostly rely on save-or-die type spells or disablers as I call them. My party members include an elf blaster sorcerer (story), a barbarian gish, a human bard/paladin/gold dragon disciple (he insisted), human cleric/combat medic/radiant servant of Pelor, elf druid & her pet dire wolf, a greatsword-wielding fighter/rogue, and a puppetmaster wizard. (I know the party's large.) As the group will soon complete a trial of rebirth which will allow us to completely redo our characters, I realized my previous class selection didn't fit. The campaign's major foes are constructs, elementals, and undead. Relevant House Rules -I use the Ultimate Classes (http://antiochforever.com/files/members/Endarire/DnD/). -Craft feats are condensed. Craft Consumable covers anything with a total number of charges such as scrolls, potions, wands, and staves. Craft Wondrous Item covers anything permanent or with charges that renew every day, week, etc. The other feats are generally untouched, though Craft Construct is out of the picture because of the resources necessary to make it effective. -Collegiate Wizard is of little value since the group has intimate ties with epic wizards whose spellbooks we can scribe. -Contingency is universal, not evocation. -Downtime is generally only happens between levels. -Players can buy items at half market price if they pay the normal crafting cost in experience. -Incantatrix requires losing 2 schools instead of 1. -No Sanctum Spell. -I would prefer to avoid reserve feats. If you can make a solid argument for something specific, I may consider it. -Halruaan Elder doesn't require Halruaan Adept since this isn't Faerun. Spell Thematics is also wonky and not required. -Since everyone is telepathically linked, mindbender is much less appealing. -Greater Spell Focus gives +2, not +1. -Silent and Still Spell are one feat with a slot increase of +1. -Delay Spell is +0. -Persistent Spell is doesn't affect spells with a base duration of instantaneous or at least 24 hours. For spells of at least an hour/level, it's +3, for tens of minutes/level, it's +4, for minutes/level, it's +5, and for rounds/level, it's +6. -I want to avoid Epic Spellcasting as it's either too spiffy (Epic Leadership) or not very effective. -People can wish for feats for which they meet all prereqs. Sources: Anything pending my approval. I like being the DM. ECL: 12 What Won't Change: I'm a generalist chaotic good strongheart halfling wizard with full caster levels. Build Plan: CG Strongheart Halfling Wizard5/Incantatrix10/Archmage5/Continue Incantatrix into Epic. Build Justification: Ultimate Wizards get their bonus feat at L6 instead of 5. Archmage gets me misc. goodies, especially mastery of shaping. Feats & Relevant Class Features 1 (Wiz1): Arcane Mastery, Iron Will, Least Dragonmark (Healing: lesser restoration), Mark of the Dauntless, (Scribe Scroll), {Flaws: Vulnerable, Weak Will, Traits: Aggressive, Passionate} 3 (Wiz3): Extend Spell 6 (Wiz5/Incantatrix1): Skill Focus (Spellcraft), (Ban enchantment & necromancy, Persistent Spell) 9 (Wiz5/Inc4): Transmutation Focus, (Chain Spell) 12 (Wiz5/Inc7): Lesser Dragonmark (Healing: restoration), (Easy Metamagic (Persistent Spell)) 15 (Wiz5/Inc10): Evocation Focus, (Delay Spell, Improved Metamagic) 16 (Wiz5/Inc10/Archmage1): (Mastery of Shaping) 17 (Wiz5/Inc10/Acm2): (Arcane Reach) 18 (Wiz5/Inc10/Acm3): Greater Dragonmark (Healing: heal), (Mastery of Elements) 19 (Wiz5/Inc10/Acm4): (Arcane Fire) 20 (Wiz5/Inc10/Acm4/Halruaan Elder1): (Adroit Casting (Persistent)) 21 (Wiz5/Inc10/Acm4/Elder1/Wiz+1): Multispell, Spell Stowaway (time stop) -=We'll see from here.=- Items & Permanencies I'm pretty set. In the future I intend to get an item that grants me Quicken Spell or use a wish to obtain it. Persistent and Continual Spells Heroics: Improved Initiative (L4 slot when I get it, L3 at Inc10) -EE
GaffeR 12-13-06, 04:29 AM	Persistent would be the obvious choice for a few of those meta-feats, if you like the cheesyness. I definately like Arcane Mastery.
neceros 12-13-06, 04:31 AM	Looks like you've got everything planned out. Good luck.
Reis 12-13-06, 04:52 AM	extend spell is maybe worth picking up with incantatrix, particularly if persistant metamagic is allowed (in conjunction with instant metamagic/metamagic effect) is polymorph/PAO/shapechange allowed? can you polymorph into a grey linnorm or a black ethergaunt? Heighten spell seems like a natural choice if you rely on save-or-die's. Since you already have sculpt spell and extraordinary spell aim, archmage mastery of shaping is probably unnecessary. Mastery of elements and arcane reach don't seem that useful for you. One thing that seems of concern is you save-or-die spells aren't particularly effective against constructs and undead, which you cite as major foes. If you can't abuse polymorph to change into something nasty and bash them to death, i'd suggest checing out some battlefield control with black tentacles, wall of force, forcecage, prismatic wall are your friend. Against undead, use Celestial Brilliance from BoED and Sunburst, and maybe Orb of Force . Against constructs, orb of force will still serve you well, or just pen them in with wall of force and drop an acid fog on them and leave them to die. this may not be the most amazing advice i guess, but it's late
Endarire 12-13-06, 04:53 AM	Those feat slots need filling. As the group has enough might already, I'm hesitant to get Persistent. Shapechange and all polymorph spells are currently allowed in their present forms. I just realized that everyone effectively has Heigthen since I feel a feat is a waste for getting another DC or two on a spell just so you can cast it from a higher-level slot. As for what schools to drop, necromancy is my first choice since we have a turn-happy cleric and plenty of ability to command undead. Second choice is evocation or abjuration at this point and I'm leaning toward abjuration. -EE
Reis 12-13-06, 05:21 AM	i wouldn't drop abjuration, Mind Blank and (greater) dispel magic are too good. plus banishment is nice if you're fighting lots of elementals Master Transmogrifist is always nice but you lose 4 caster levels if you take it to the end, missing out on Shape Change until epic. Still, there are some very nice combat forms in MM 2, 3, and 4, if you abuse them in conjunction with some crazy buff spells like Improved Blink, Elemental Body, Draconic Might, Greater Luminour Armor and Energy Immunity along with standard buffs like Haste and False Life you can polymorph into a grey linnorm or cave, mountain, or war troll and hurt some stuff badly
aziraphale60 12-13-06, 12:20 PM	Those feat slots need filling. As the group has enough might already, I'm hesitant to get Persistent. Shapechange and all polymorph spells are currently allowed in their present forms. I just realized that everyone effectively has Heigthen since I feel a feat is a waste for getting another DC or two on a spell just so you can cast it from a higher-level slot. As for what schools to drop, necromancy is my first choice since we have a turn-happy cleric and plenty of ability to command undead. Second choice is evocation or abjuration at this point and I'm leaning toward abjuration. -EE I'm pretty sure you didn't list this as a house rule so i'll point it out, you can't drop abjuration for Incantatrix.
daraknor 12-13-06, 12:30 PM	Get Persistent. Incantrix can use it 1x day at no level cost come level 7, 2x day level 9. Cast Persistent Time Stop. Level 15 spell, you can do anything to objects for 24 hours. Rememorize your spells *twice* and refresh all of your spell like abilities (including using the metamagic feat instantly). Casting a spellbook full of Summon Monster seems useful :) Having Persistent Detect Secret Doors will likely uncover something worth having. You can assist the clerics in casting persistent buff spells using the normal spell slot! My DM outlawed Persistent *sigh* I was going to have so much fun. Shrunk vats of water and acid covering the foes, or just cages if I don't want them to dissolve or drown. Of course, that is after setting off traps (don't affect me in timestop), looting everything, teleporting to and from the keep several times with bag of holding filled with loot, etc. Counterspelling the effect would require level 15 spell. The concentration checks might get hard if you get hit, but you can cast the spell before combat starts. Group draws weapons preparing for combat before rolling initiative. Wizard casts persistent timestop. Wizard appears a moment later, wearing a ton of loot from the dungeon. "Ok, we're done here. What's next?"
aziraphale60 12-13-06, 12:33 PM	Get Persistent. Incantrix can use it 1x day at no level cost come level 7, 2x day level 9. Cast Persistent Time Stop. Level 15 spell, you can do anything to objects for 24 hours. Rememorize your spells *twice* and refresh all of your spell like abilities (including using the metamagic feat instantly). Casting a spellbook full of Summon Monster seems useful :) Having Persistent Detect Secret Doors will likely uncover something worth having. You can assist the clerics in casting persistent buff spells using the normal spell slot! My DM outlawed Persistent *sigh* I was going to have so much fun. Shrunk vats of water and acid covering the foes, or just cages if I don't want them to dissolve or drown. Of course, that is after setting off traps (don't affect me in timestop), looting everything, teleporting to and from the keep several times with bag of holding filled with loot, etc. Counterspelling the effect would require level 15 spell. The concentration checks might get hard if you get hit, but you can cast the spell before combat starts. Group draws weapons preparing for combat before rolling initiative. Wizard casts persistent timestop. Wizard appears a moment later, wearing a ton of loot from the dungeon. "Ok, we're done here. What's next?" wasn't there a FAQ somewhere that said you can't persistant timestop and the duration should be instantaneous or 1d4 rounds or something?
GaffeR 12-13-06, 12:34 PM	As mentioned in the CompMage tricks thread, you cannot instant meta a spell higher than you could normally cast. The real beauty of Persistent is the 3rd level Incant ability to put it on an existing spell.
daraknor 12-13-06, 01:46 PM	I haven't read or heard of complete mage until now. Another book/thread to read. The incantrix thread I read said you could metamagic spells over the level you can cast, I think they had some level 13 caster level spells.
Reis 12-13-06, 02:57 PM	The incantrix thread I read said you could metamagic spells over the level you can cast, I think they had some level 13 caster level spells. you can do it with Metamagic Effect and Persistent spell by making a high enough spellcraft check, but not with Instant Metamagic. It's in the official errata.
Endarire 12-13-06, 05:01 PM	EDIT: Ignore the text that was previously here. I still intend to nix enchantment and necromancy. What area disabling spells exist besides weird and wail of the banshee? Mastery of shaping doesn't seem so nifty for disabling spells. -EE
Reis 12-13-06, 07:56 PM	prismatic spray, circle of death, symbol of death, power word: kill
Twili 12-13-06, 07:59 PM	After incantrix comes nothing :( it's the end of most optimization needs...
Endarire 12-13-06, 08:35 PM	Power words are single targets only. What other general feats for wizards scream, 'Pick me?' -EE
ShakaUVM 12-14-06, 01:32 AM	Power words are single targets only. What other general feats for wizards scream, 'Pick me?' -EE Chain Spell? Born of the Three Thunders?
Reis 12-14-06, 02:59 AM	fell drain is pretty good elven spell lore aint too shabby either craft wondrous item? you can craft that +30 competence to spellcraft item i'm thinking about this finisher for incantatrix when mine hits 15th: dragonslayer1/abjurant champion4. you have iron will already. dodge and combat casting suck hard but the benefits are considerable as well.
Hanniball 12-14-06, 04:37 AM	-Craft feats are condensed. Craft Consumable covers anything with a total number of charges such as scrolls, potions, wands, and staves. So, does the Scribe Scroll listed in your feat list translate into Craft Consumable? If so, take Magical Artisan from PGtF and craft wands, staves, or scrolls at 75% cost. Power words are single targets only. What other general feats for wizards scream, 'Pick me? 'General feats?' Not exactly sure if you mean 'other than metamagic or item creation', but Twin Spell and Craft Contingent Spell can easily see use in almost any full-caster build. Either way...just my 2 cp Either way...just my 2 cp
Endarire 12-14-06, 04:43 AM	Scribe Scroll is an aspect of Craft Consumable. Wizards only get scroll scribing free, not the entire Craft Consumable. As for Craft Contingent Item, how long does each item last? -EE
Hanniball 12-14-06, 04:46 AM	It remains active until either the trigger event occurs or it gets Dispelled.
Endarire 12-14-06, 09:02 PM	I totally revised the build. -EE