Assistance with Sorc build [Archive] - Wizards Community

Assistance with Sorc build [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Goreg Skullcrusher
02-16-04, 01:14 PM Hello all. I would like to start off by saying that I'm no novice to the world of optimization. However, I have found one area where I can't seem to perform as well. As follows:

In almost all of our gaming sessions, I am usually the main damage engine. I've grown weary of this. As such, I want to give myself a challenge - a Sorceress with no evocation spells.

Now assuming starting off at lvl 1, and an 18 in Charisma, how do I go about making this the optimal character in terms of versatility and fun-value? More specifically, what spells/items should I take the time to invest in? I would still like for her to be useful in combat, if possible. We only use 3.5 material (core and splat). Also, I'm more interested in the first 10 levels than the rest.

Any advice is appreciated.
Funny Slaughter
02-16-04, 01:35 PM you can take a look at the mage of the arcane order PrC, gives you spellpool which means virtually all existing spells at your bidding. this is great for a sorcerer standing in front of a locked door etc pp

with this you can qualify for your PrC of choice, there are no benefits about being a sorcerer so you shouldnt stay there longer then needed.

for spells you can look into snows "weak and wired spells"-threads or look around for battlefield control.

you can do some fighting on your own while polymorphed into some good form and buffed to the neck or spend some of your buffings for your parties deathdealers and hang around staying invisible and summoning creatures.

low-level utility-spells are covered via MotAO, your daily buffings are set, take a selection of control-spells (like the mist-spells), buffings and summonings, mix up the one or other instant-death-spell or non-area-damage spell, like sonic lance or the orb-spells and you are set.

with a bit of research the problem is not what spells to take, its about which you should not take.

gs
Funny
jensun
02-16-04, 01:35 PM The most important thing with almost all sorceror builds is spell selection. If you are going to neglect direct damage then you will need to concentrate on spells which control the area around you.

Illusions are a good choice and very versatile. Spells such as Grease, Web, Stinking Cloud, Solid Fog and Wall of Force can all be used to good effect.

I wouldnt totally abandon the concept of direct damage. Keeping a magic missile or scorching ray around is still handy just up the number of divination/utility spells.

As far as PrC's go one of the best here has to be MotAO. Then you can ignore many of the out of combat spells and call them as needed allowing you to stock up on spells which meet a variety of challenges. You also get to make some actualy use out of Item Creation feats which you normally cant do without someone to assist.
cowdragon
02-16-04, 02:25 PM yes, almost every sorc build I play uses illusions more than anything. Level one color spray is awesome!!!! by the time you get phantasmal killer you really dominate. If you take the shadow cojuration/evocation line of spells you have all you need. Take spell focus/greater(illusion) and you're set. Become a shadow adept to help emphasize that you don't use evocations. It will also boost your caster levels. Hit people with ray of fatigue and let you fighters have at 'em.

The Cowdragon :mage:

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Goreg Skullcrusher 02-16-04, 01:14 PM	Hello all. I would like to start off by saying that I'm no novice to the world of optimization. However, I have found one area where I can't seem to perform as well. As follows: In almost all of our gaming sessions, I am usually the main damage engine. I've grown weary of this. As such, I want to give myself a challenge - a Sorceress with no evocation spells. Now assuming starting off at lvl 1, and an 18 in Charisma, how do I go about making this the optimal character in terms of versatility and fun-value? More specifically, what spells/items should I take the time to invest in? I would still like for her to be useful in combat, if possible. We only use 3.5 material (core and splat). Also, I'm more interested in the first 10 levels than the rest. Any advice is appreciated.
Funny Slaughter 02-16-04, 01:35 PM	you can take a look at the mage of the arcane order PrC, gives you spellpool which means virtually all existing spells at your bidding. this is great for a sorcerer standing in front of a locked door etc pp with this you can qualify for your PrC of choice, there are no benefits about being a sorcerer so you shouldnt stay there longer then needed. for spells you can look into snows "weak and wired spells"-threads or look around for battlefield control. you can do some fighting on your own while polymorphed into some good form and buffed to the neck or spend some of your buffings for your parties deathdealers and hang around staying invisible and summoning creatures. low-level utility-spells are covered via MotAO, your daily buffings are set, take a selection of control-spells (like the mist-spells), buffings and summonings, mix up the one or other instant-death-spell or non-area-damage spell, like sonic lance or the orb-spells and you are set. with a bit of research the problem is not what spells to take, its about which you should not take. gs Funny
jensun 02-16-04, 01:35 PM	The most important thing with almost all sorceror builds is spell selection. If you are going to neglect direct damage then you will need to concentrate on spells which control the area around you. Illusions are a good choice and very versatile. Spells such as Grease, Web, Stinking Cloud, Solid Fog and Wall of Force can all be used to good effect. I wouldnt totally abandon the concept of direct damage. Keeping a magic missile or scorching ray around is still handy just up the number of divination/utility spells. As far as PrC's go one of the best here has to be MotAO. Then you can ignore many of the out of combat spells and call them as needed allowing you to stock up on spells which meet a variety of challenges. You also get to make some actualy use out of Item Creation feats which you normally cant do without someone to assist.
cowdragon 02-16-04, 02:25 PM	yes, almost every sorc build I play uses illusions more than anything. Level one color spray is awesome!!!! by the time you get phantasmal killer you really dominate. If you take the shadow cojuration/evocation line of spells you have all you need. Take spell focus/greater(illusion) and you're set. Become a shadow adept to help emphasize that you don't use evocations. It will also boost your caster levels. Hit people with ray of fatigue and let you fighters have at 'em. The Cowdragon :mage: