Post/Author/DateTime	Post
artificial penguin 06-24-04, 02:46 PM	OK, as some of you may have seen on my other post about Necromancers (cleric vs. wizard), I've found a cool sourcebook by green ronin on Necromancers. There's a core class there, and while it has the benefit of being able to rebuke/command undead as a cleric of equal level, it has a *very* restricted spell list--basically all necromancy spells (a few extras). I really like this class, but I will miss having access to the vast amount of utility spells in the Wizard's spell list (shatter, fly, invisibility, illusions, charming). I was reading up on using scrolls, and it mentions that if you use a scroll for a spell that is in your class spell list, you can cast it fine, with the caveat that if it is higher than the spells you can cast from that class you have to make a caster level check to pull it off. So I considered this option: take ONE level of Wizard, just to get access to the entire spell list, and then take a feat called Practiced Spellcaster, I believe it is, which lets you have +4 to one of your spellcasting class levels (NOT for the purpose of gaining spells, but for breaking spell resistance, caster level checks, etc); can't remember which book it's in right now, sorry. Anyways, I figure this would boost my caster level for Wizard nice and high so I should be able to use some scrolls pretty safely. Here's my question though: is there a BETTER way to do this, instead of devoting one character level and a feat? p.s. another question I had...I can look this up when I get home, but is the ability to use a scroll basically the same as a wand? As in, if it's on my class spell list but higher level I just need a caster level check? thanks, /ap
Dunbar 06-24-04, 03:49 PM	As far as I know, the only way to gain access to a spell list is to take a level in that class. You are right about scrolls needing caster level checks, but wands are different. So long as you have access to the spell list via levels in a spellcasting class, you can use wands of spells from that list with no problems. This goes for 1st level rangers and paladins using wands of spells from their spell lists as well, even though they can't cast spells and don't have a caster level yet. Note that this was all true in 3.0 and I think it hasn't changed in 3.5, but I could be wrong.
CrimsonRyoko 06-24-04, 03:51 PM	Practiced Spellcaster is from Complete Divine. Another way to do it, and this is all off of vauge memories from scanning the book once or twice, i think in Players Guide to Faerun there is a Feat that makes you an "arcane spellcaster" for feats and effectrs or something, but i could be wrong, sortof like the Wild Talent feat from the XPH. Otherwise, um yeah, the one level of wiz aint too bad to take.
Matt Neuman 06-24-04, 03:56 PM	You should read up on spell trigger (wand) vs. spell completion (scroll) items. They have considerable differences. I'd suggest that UMD might be a better way to go about it than taking a level in wizard. Reasons: * Since you are going to be commanding/rebuking you'll likely put emphasis on Cha as a high stat. * Doesn't require you to give up a caster level. (Although taking a level of bard would be worthwhile). * Let's you use bard/cleric/druid spells in addition to wizard spells
catharz 06-24-04, 05:01 PM	You could always take 4 levels of the Eldritch master PrC (it is from an issue of Dragon magazine, look on Crystalkeep). Of course, the question must be asked: Why aren't you just playing a cleric? They tend to get all of the important Necromancy spells (Although MoS is unfortunately now worthless), and Turn/Rebuke undead. They also don't have a limited spell list (quite the opposite), gain d8 HD rather then d4, have a medium BAB (rather then poor), and two good saving throws. If you need some specific arcane spells, the Spell domain is there to help out. As it stands, you're making a character who sacrifices almost everything to be as good as a Cleric at one thing.
artificial penguin 06-24-04, 06:24 PM	Well, I may still end up going to a Cleric instead. I suppose I could just use my two domains to give me a few extra spells if I feel the need. I was just hoping there was a way to make the mage-Necromancer thing work.
horndgod 06-24-04, 08:59 PM	If you want to get access to all the wizard spells, the best way without items would probably be the Mage of the Arcane Order PrC. Whether or not you're willing to give up advancement in your base class is whether it's worth it to you.