Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dirty Dan the Laundry Man 04-27-04, 05:05 PM	My 16th level Wizard will be leveling-up soon. I already took 1 level of Archmage (Higher Arcane - Arcane Reach). And now I will be taking another level of Archmage at 17th level. I really want the Spell-Like Ability version of Higher Arcana. And since I have a ton of spells in my spell book (and I'll be choosing 2 more), I would like some opinions on good spells to convert into Spell-like Ability (useable 2/day). Also, I have one dilemma. The SRD description of Archmage's Spell-Like Ability does not jive with Skip Williams description of Spell-like Abilities mentioned here. (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040420a) From the SRD:The archmage does not use any components when casting the spell, although a spell that costs XP to cast still does so and a spell with a costly material component instead costs her 10 times that amount in XP. This ability costs one 5th-level spell slot. From Skip Williams: A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, material, focus, or XP components. Using a spell-like ability is a purely mental action, albeit one that requires enough concentration to provoke attacks of opportunity. It is quite possible, however, that a creature using a spell-like ability might add some gesture, word, or flourish just for dramatic effect. This discrepancy specifically hinges on the issue of XP cost. .... Anyway, I really like the idea of taking Trap the Soul as my Spell-Like Ability. Primarily because at such high levels, I can Trap the Soul with absolutely no gold expenditure whatsoever. Nor do I have to deal with researching how many HD my potential target has to get a gem to "fit him". Heck, I do not even need the gem! All input, suggestions, and the like are welcome. I am really looking to exploit Spell-like Ability with a spell that normally is a pain to cast because of time and resource expenditure (like the way spells like Identify and Stoneskin and Scry tend to be). Thanks!
Funny Slaughter 04-27-04, 05:49 PM	the rules are not contradictionary since the archmage features a special case. anyhow, the question would be better suited on a rules-board. as for the spell: i am not that a big fan of this ability, but i would chose a spell you may need if everything else is gone. teleport for example. if you are trapped without your spellbook, cant speak and are tightly bound there is nothing like hopping to the sweet home-tower... gs Funny
Seyluun 04-27-04, 05:56 PM	Shapechange, who just grant you about any other spells and much more through monsters's Su. You just need to "be familiar" with at least the most worthwhile of them. See the thread about it on this forum and make your picks.
Xzoltar 04-27-04, 06:26 PM	I dton think that Trap the Soul as a Spell-like ability is a good choice ( and not even valid choice ) where will the soul go ? inside you ? As for witch spell to make in a SA well I will choose Shapechange for is versatility or if your dm make this ability take no xp as a SA then take Alamanther Return. It depend on the level of the slot you will sacrifice but choose something that will be useful when nothing else can save you and that is useful, try to avoid all attack spell and favor defense instead. Alter Self , Polymorph Self and Shapechange are your best bet
mellowship 05-02-04, 12:39 AM	Originally posted by Dirty Dan the Laundry Man My 16th level Wizard will be leveling-up soon. I already took 1 level of Archmage (Higher Arcane - Arcane Reach). And now I will be taking another level of Archmage at 17th level. I really want the Spell-Like Ability version of Higher Arcana. And since I have a ton of spells in my spell book (and I'll be choosing 2 more), I would like some opinions on good spells to convert into Spell-like Ability (useable 2/day). All input, suggestions, and the like are welcome. I am really looking to exploit Spell-like Ability with a spell that normally is a pain to cast because of time and resource expenditure (like the way spells like Identify and Stoneskin and Scry tend to be). Look for spells that you can Quicken, using the Quicken Spell-Like Ability feat (which you'd take at 18th level). Like True Strike 6/day. Or Summon Monster V 4/day.
Kayerloth 05-02-04, 11:22 AM	I'd tend to agree with Funny Slaughter's post and along those lines Limited Wish could be very useful as you can use it to mimic just about any lower level spell (including Teleport or even divine spells such as Restoration etc.). I also think 300 xp (or more if the spell you mimic carries costs) is peanuts to pay for a potential 'get out of jail free card'. Kayerloth
pawsplay 05-03-04, 01:31 AM	From an optimization standpoint... The cost in slots is not very high, and the benefits are not very huge, so I'd pick the spell you think is coolest. :) That said, very versatile abilities, like shadow conjuration, resilient sphere, shapechange, and summon monster are attractive. So are "last contingency" effects like dimension door, plane shift, shadow walk, and ethereal jaunt.
CrimsonRyoko 05-03-04, 03:20 AM	(Sortof) On this point I have a question Would it be a good option to get more "bang for your buck" as a sorcerer to take 5 levels of Archmage, and for 3 of them choose the Spell Like Ability for all 3 of your 9th level spells? With a base Cha of 19(lowest possible) You would then have 9 9th level spells a day. Yes you give up 3 5th level spell slot, but ill trade those for 9th :) Spell1 2/Day Spell2 2/Day Spell3 2/Day Spell Slots left - 3 Same goes for a Wizard, but is much more restrictive since they arent limited to just 3 spells known.
The_Bishop 05-03-04, 11:05 AM	Shouldn't this be compared with the Innate Spell feat? Any feel as to whether its better to go Archmage or not? -The Bishop