best 3 schools to take spell focus??? [Archive] - Wizards Community

best 3 schools to take spell focus??? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
joseccb
08-27-06, 11:36 AM If you had to take spell focus on 3 schools, which will they be????
CantripN
08-27-06, 12:00 PM Hmm...
Best:
1- Evocation.
2- Transmutation.
3- Enchantment.

For my PCs and flavour:
1 - Evocation.
2 - Abjuration.
3 - Transmutation.
Reinforcements
08-27-06, 12:50 PM Based simply on how important saving throws are for a particular school, I would say Enchantment, Illusion and Necromancy.
malykoth
08-27-06, 12:56 PM Based simply on how important saving throws are for a particular school, I would say Enchantment, Illusion and Necromancy.
I tend to agree...maybe with Necromancy replaced by Evocation, though. A lot of Necromancy spells can be used to buff undead or such, but most Evocations are there to blow stuff up...just MHO.

It also depends on what you want the caster to do.

Are you looking for a Circe-like transmuter who turns his opponents into helpless little lambs? Obviously Spell Focus (Transmutation) would be a must.
Whisper_Swiftblade
08-27-06, 01:08 PM illution, congeation, transmutation
Lich thing
08-27-06, 01:19 PM A lot of Necromancy spells can be used to buff undead or such, but most Evocations are there to blow stuff up...just MHO.

Dont agree. Great part of the necromancy spells afect the living ones, and make it er... good. I always loved necromancy. Specially if u r a Shadow Adept...

Well, i think:
- Necromancy;
- Transmutation; (should be replaced if u get Shadow Weave... or no... :D)
- Enchantment;

See ya!
joseccb
08-27-06, 01:24 PM Ok thnx for your posts, my choices are

1. Necromancy
2. Enchantment
3. Illusion/Transmutation

I still don't know which will I take Illusion or Transmutation, which of those two benefits more from higher DC's??? We know that Necromancy is the father of save or die spells, but what do you think benefits most from higher DCs: Illusion or Transmutation???
malykoth
08-27-06, 01:24 PM Please don't misunderstand me...I don't disagree that Necromancy would be a good choice for Spell Focus. It could be a very good choice, actually, depending on the flavor and theme of the caster. I merely was implying that it's only one way to go.

I played a necromancer once who put all of her energy into buffing and creating undead...she almost never needed to have an opponent make a save.
CantripN
08-27-06, 01:31 PM Beyond "What is best?", whink of what spells you're going to use. Me, I'm a direct spellcaster - so blowing stuff up (Evocation), Disintegrating them (Alteration) and Banishing/Dispelling (Abjuration) are for me. Sometimes I like to play with their heads, so Enchantment works.
Pick whatever suits your play style. I've seen players taking spell focus in schools they NEVER used. Foolish, if you ask me.
Lich thing
08-27-06, 01:51 PM Please don't misunderstand me...I don't disagree that Necromancy would be a good choice for Spell Focus. It could be a very good choice, actually, depending on the flavor and theme of the caster. I merely was implying that it's only one way to go.

Okiedokie. Point made.

Well, back to the schools... i think transmutation its pretty good. Well, lets think about... er... THE CLASSICS! Baleful Polimorph and Desintegrate! They could really change the battle upside down! +1 in DC can REALLY make some difference here.
Theres so many spells in transmute school that make thing like this. I think its "the one".

See ya!
joseccb
08-27-06, 02:09 PM I think Transmutation will be it, the bad thing is that I fell in love with Weird, is there any Transmutation spell that can kill several creatures if they fail their save??
CantripN
08-27-06, 02:15 PM Transmute Rock to Mud + Transmute Mud to Rock ?
wonlee76
08-27-06, 02:28 PM #1: Enchantment
#2: Illusions
#3: Evocation or Necromancy or Transmutation

I think Enchantments by and large is just damned useful. Charm, Suggestion, Hold, Dominate alone make it well worth the feat.

Illusions are too prone to saves if you use them often enough so that extra +1 gives you some layer of protection. Not to mention the ever useful Shadow Conjuration/Evocation spells get the bonus. If you're into the Shadow spells, see if you can convince your DM to allow you to take that feat in Dragon Magazine that makes the shadow spells +20% more real.

#3 is more of a your preference towards spells. I think Evocation gets the most out of spell focus. Necromancy and Transmutation get roughly an equal benefit from Spell Focus. Depends on your preference really. If you're into save or die type of spells, Transmutation (Baleful Polymorph, Disintigrate, etc.) or Necromancy are the way to go.
Vanigo
08-27-06, 08:13 PM Transmutation is also a good choice if you want to do a lot of debuffing.
Purple Yin
08-27-06, 09:26 PM 1) Illusion
2) Conjuration
3) Transmutation
malykoth
08-27-06, 09:30 PM ...is there any Transmutation spell that can kill several creatures if they fail their save??
PHB:
Disintegrate - old standby

Sandstorm:
Flesh to Salt, Mass: - self explanitory...melt them with water or break them with a hammer.
Fuse Sand - if they fail, they sink into the sand, are trapped beneath it, and start to suffocate. Can only be saved by someone attempting to release them from beneath the thick glass.
Seerow
08-27-06, 09:41 PM Evokation=No.

Seriously, every time someone says it's a good choice a little piece of me dies inside.
smrtgmp
08-28-06, 12:40 AM If splat books are allowed there are some solid save-dependant evocations. Great thunderclap, for instance. Its also nice for spells like resilient sphere.

I'll agree its not something I would take to boost my DD spells (not that I cast too many of those).

I would go with enchantment and necromancy for sure. the 3rd school would depend on the level of play. While rather worthless at low levels, spell focus abjuration is great at high levels when you have spells like prismatic wall/sphere and imprisonment.
Lich thing
08-28-06, 06:03 PM spell focus abjuration is great at high levels when you have spells like prismatic wall/sphere and imprisonment.

There's no save for Imprisionment...
Vanigo
08-28-06, 07:07 PM There's no save for Imprisionment...
Yes, there is. I don't think there was one in 3.0, but in 3.5 it's will negates.
smrtgmp
08-28-06, 07:10 PM There's no save for Imprisionment...tsk tsk tsk. I check my facts before I post.

imprisonment (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/imprisonment.htm)
Oakspar77777
08-28-06, 07:43 PM Well, of course, the correct answer is "whatever three schools you use." There are, however, certian preferences that are just based on playstyle.

Abjuration: Only useful at very high levels where Abjuration goes on the offensive.

Conjuration: Another sub-par choice, since most of your damage potential is non-direct.

Divination: Also worthless.

Enchantment: DEFINATELY. No school has more "save or die" or "encounter ending" spells. Almost everything in this school has a Will save and most of them are wasted spells if that save is made.

Evocation: There are plenty of saves here, but, often they are save for half, meaning that you are garunteed some bang for your buck. Still, against Evasion foes and to get the most out of your spells, this school is a good choice.

Illusion: It depends on if you are using this school offensively or defensively. If you are a dedicated Conjurer who just uses invisability as a shield, then forget it. If, however, you plan to use the offensive spells, then take it.

Necromancy: Necro has some good "save or die" and some "save or get your abilities whacked." Most of the ones that are good enough to use AND need a high save are mid to late game spells. So, I would put it off until you accumulate a few spells that need it.

Transmutation: There are not many early options, but once you hit the almighty Disentegrate, then this will likely become a "must" school.

So, my top three would be Enchantment first, and then to choose two from Evocation, Illusion, Necromancy, or Transmutation based on the spells you find yourself using the most.
Skeeve
08-28-06, 08:38 PM Evokation=No.

Seriously, every time someone says it's a good choice a little piece of me dies inside.

I'm curious. Does this mean you think that evocation is a poor choice for spell focus, or that you think spell focus is a poor choice overall? I don't really understand why Evocation's a bad choice for your Spell Focus, assuming you're set on taking it at all.
SageBahamut
08-28-06, 09:32 PM There's no reason to show hate for Evocation. Most of your army-clearing blasting spells are Evocation until you get to higher levels and start hucking Horrid Wiltings or Implosions. Disintegrate is still a few levels off when the might of Fireball and Lightning Bolt becomes a given. Some of the best "oh my god we're dead... wait, what kobolds?" spells come from it.
JulesCARV
08-28-06, 09:55 PM It seems to me that the best way to go is to have one spell focus school that targets will saves, one spell focus school that targets reflex saves, and one spell focus school that targets fortitude saves.

Schools vs. Will Saves: Illusion, Enchantment, Abjuration
Schools vs. Reflex Saves: Evocation
Schools vs. Fortitude Saves: Transmutation, Necromancy

Divination has Will saves, but aren't what one usually thinks of in the heat of battle. Conjuration is an oddball mix.

If you have all spell focii focusing on one save -- for example, spell focus Illusion, Enchantment, and Abjuration -- then you'll find it tough targetting the weak spots of enemies with good saves in that department.
The Simbul
08-29-06, 01:31 AM The ones whose spells generally dont do anything if the target makes their saving throw, which largely are;

Enchantment
Illusion
Necromancy

Taking spell focus for schools that have a large number of "no save" or "save for half damage" spells is generally more of a waste. Transmutation is only worthwhile if you plan on doing alot of polymorphing, disintegrating, and petrification. Abjuration, Conjuration, and Divination have very few spells where a save is crucial, and Evocation gives diminishing returns (half damage) on successful saves, as well as having numerous rays or no save effects.
Rhavin_the_Risen
08-29-06, 10:23 AM :pbbbtt: Necromancy :yuck:

1. Enchantment
2. Illusion
3. Transmutation

so far I have not looked up any necromancy spells to their full text
Lich thing
08-30-06, 07:06 PM Yes, there is. I don't think there was one in 3.0, but in 3.5 it's will negates.

My miss! Lookin at 3rd ed PHB! :D

:pbbbtt: Necromancy :yuck:

??? Really dun understand... necromancy spells can become "The Ones" with SF... really... u will see some creatures just "vanishing" before u.

See ya!
Mr. Master
09-06-06, 07:05 PM Invocation
Transmutation
Illusion
Nom
09-06-06, 07:48 PM If you had to take spell focus on 3 schools, which will they be????I wouldn't. I'd take greater spell focus in one of them.

The spell focus bonus isn't very big so you need to milk it for everything it is worth. Spreading it around is a waste of feats. It's the equivalent to taking weapon focus with 4 weapons if you could have taken GWF/GWS with one.
Sapp
09-06-06, 08:00 PM Divination is one I choose more often than the others. I normally just stick to vanilla Wizard though.

Coincidentally, I think Clairsentience is the best discipline for Psions. If you're playing in an Evil-centric campaign though, then Telepathy takes the cake.

Whether it's for helping your party prepare for what's up ahead, hunting other spellcasters and/or manifesters, or just keeping yourself alive in general, Divinations (whether Arcane or Psionic) don't disappoint, and it doesn't force forbid from you 2 different schools.
WhiteRaven810
09-06-06, 08:05 PM Enchantment
Illusion
Evocation/Necromancy
smrtgmp
09-07-06, 04:50 AM Divination is one I choose more often than the others.As much as I love divination (and seers, I love seers), there really arent that many save dependant divinations.
Sapp
09-07-06, 02:27 PM My bad. Didn't carefully read the thread. Didn't even pay attention to the title.

I listed a School for Specialization. I normally don't specialize anyway.
green_yawgmoth
09-07-06, 03:25 PM My votes go for necromancy, illusion, and evocation. The only reason I don't say enchantment is because a lot of things are just wholly immume to [mind-affecting], which enchantment is almost 100%.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Rerednaw
09-09-06, 12:28 PM Actually one factor that may influence your choice is what kind of caster you are playing. Is he a warmage, a specialist or a generalist?

That aside, Transmutation and Enchantment are pretty good schools with lots of the save or die spells.

Also in 3.5 Conjuration had some of it's best save or ouch spells downgraded in effectiveness (Cloudkill) I tend to play summoners though so I usually take spell focus in Conjuration because of the prerequisite for Augment Summoning.
Seerow
09-09-06, 05:38 PM I know this was from a while ago but

I'm curious. Does this mean you think that evocation is a poor choice for spell focus, or that you think spell focus is a poor choice overall? I don't really understand why Evocation's a bad choice for your Spell Focus, assuming you're set on taking it at all.

Evocation is a poor choice for spell focus. Or really, casting evocation spells at all is a poor choice of a way to spend, or rather waste, your time.
Bladegeek
09-10-06, 01:30 AM Evokation=No.

Seriously, every time someone says it's a good choice a little piece of me dies inside.

Please! There are times....and a lot of them..no matter how clever you are the Wizard has to step up and save the parties ass by killing the bad guy. That usually means a good evocation spell.

The top three are:

#1: Enchantment
#2: Illusions
#3: Evocation
Oakspar77777
09-10-06, 05:09 PM It is not that Wizards do not cast Evocations, it is that they are so seldom save dependent.

You need focus for Save or Die spells, where a save ends the fight or does nothing. Hold Person is a perfect example. Save means nothing happens. A fail means that the enemy is frozen and awaits a happy little Coup to kill.

Evocation spells are best used for area kills. As you grow in level, you will keep on using those Fireballs all the time. They are used, however, to control masses of weaker minions. If you only have a single target, it is better to save or die against it.

So, Evocation focus only helps make you a more efficient minion killer. It isn't that it doesn't help, it is just not that important. Let the Fighter cut down the minions while you kill the boss with a single spell. That will work MUCH better than mass killing the minions and leaving the boss to the Fighter.
Seerow
09-10-06, 08:59 PM Please! There are times....and a lot of them..no matter how clever you are the Wizard has to step up and save the parties ass by killing the bad guy. That usually means a good evocation spell.

Funny, I didn't know there were that many good Save or Die spells in Evocation. If it's the Wizard who has to step up and kill the badguy, and the Meat-shield...er Fighter couldn't do it with his sword, the Wizard's Cone of Cold isn't going to cut it. But his Phantasmal Killer might. Meteor Swarm won't cut it, Wail of the Banshee might.

Edit: Even at lower levels: Magic Missile won't kill it, Sleep/Color Spray might. Scorching Ray isn't going to cut it, Hideous Laughter might.

The only -really- good Evocation spell I can think of offhand is Forcecage. And honestly? That one's stupidly broken because it's one of those "Haha I take you out of the Fight with NO SAVE" type spells.
Broken vacuum
09-11-06, 03:42 AM The only -really- good Evocation spell I can think of offhand is Forcecage. And honestly? That one's stupidly broken because it's one of those "Haha I take you out of the Fight with NO SAVE" type spells.

You seem to have a rather limited view on evocation. Using just core there is really not that much need for spell focus in evocation (non-core sources can change this as smrtgmp pointed out), but evocation has a decent number of very handy spells in core. Contingency, assorted wall spells, light spells, Gust of Wind, Leomund's Tiny Hut, Otiluke's sphere spells, Shatter and so on are all rather nice. Evocation is more than just direct damage spells.

And I really do not agree that Forcecage is broken. It does have an expensive material component and there are various ways of escape. It comes into play at a level where access to extraordinary means of travel should not be unusual, so indiscriminate use will probably just cost you a lot of gp.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
joseccb 08-27-06, 11:36 AM	If you had to take spell focus on 3 schools, which will they be????
CantripN 08-27-06, 12:00 PM	Hmm... Best: 1- Evocation. 2- Transmutation. 3- Enchantment. For my PCs and flavour: 1 - Evocation. 2 - Abjuration. 3 - Transmutation.
Reinforcements 08-27-06, 12:50 PM	Based simply on how important saving throws are for a particular school, I would say Enchantment, Illusion and Necromancy.
malykoth 08-27-06, 12:56 PM	Based simply on how important saving throws are for a particular school, I would say Enchantment, Illusion and Necromancy. I tend to agree...maybe with Necromancy replaced by Evocation, though. A lot of Necromancy spells can be used to buff undead or such, but most Evocations are there to blow stuff up...just MHO. It also depends on what you want the caster to do. Are you looking for a Circe-like transmuter who turns his opponents into helpless little lambs? Obviously Spell Focus (Transmutation) would be a must.
Whisper_Swiftblade 08-27-06, 01:08 PM	illution, congeation, transmutation
Lich thing 08-27-06, 01:19 PM	A lot of Necromancy spells can be used to buff undead or such, but most Evocations are there to blow stuff up...just MHO. Dont agree. Great part of the necromancy spells afect the living ones, and make it er... good. I always loved necromancy. Specially if u r a Shadow Adept... Well, i think: - Necromancy; - Transmutation; (should be replaced if u get Shadow Weave... or no... :D) - Enchantment; See ya!
joseccb 08-27-06, 01:24 PM	Ok thnx for your posts, my choices are 1. Necromancy 2. Enchantment 3. Illusion/Transmutation I still don't know which will I take Illusion or Transmutation, which of those two benefits more from higher DC's??? We know that Necromancy is the father of save or die spells, but what do you think benefits most from higher DCs: Illusion or Transmutation???
malykoth 08-27-06, 01:24 PM	Please don't misunderstand me...I don't disagree that Necromancy would be a good choice for Spell Focus. It could be a very good choice, actually, depending on the flavor and theme of the caster. I merely was implying that it's only one way to go. I played a necromancer once who put all of her energy into buffing and creating undead...she almost never needed to have an opponent make a save.
CantripN 08-27-06, 01:31 PM	Beyond "What is best?", whink of what spells you're going to use. Me, I'm a direct spellcaster - so blowing stuff up (Evocation), Disintegrating them (Alteration) and Banishing/Dispelling (Abjuration) are for me. Sometimes I like to play with their heads, so Enchantment works. Pick whatever suits your play style. I've seen players taking spell focus in schools they NEVER used. Foolish, if you ask me.
Lich thing 08-27-06, 01:51 PM	Please don't misunderstand me...I don't disagree that Necromancy would be a good choice for Spell Focus. It could be a very good choice, actually, depending on the flavor and theme of the caster. I merely was implying that it's only one way to go. Okiedokie. Point made. Well, back to the schools... i think transmutation its pretty good. Well, lets think about... er... THE CLASSICS! Baleful Polimorph and Desintegrate! They could really change the battle upside down! +1 in DC can REALLY make some difference here. Theres so many spells in transmute school that make thing like this. I think its "the one". See ya!
joseccb 08-27-06, 02:09 PM	I think Transmutation will be it, the bad thing is that I fell in love with Weird, is there any Transmutation spell that can kill several creatures if they fail their save??
CantripN 08-27-06, 02:15 PM	Transmute Rock to Mud + Transmute Mud to Rock ?
wonlee76 08-27-06, 02:28 PM	#1: Enchantment #2: Illusions #3: Evocation or Necromancy or Transmutation I think Enchantments by and large is just damned useful. Charm, Suggestion, Hold, Dominate alone make it well worth the feat. Illusions are too prone to saves if you use them often enough so that extra +1 gives you some layer of protection. Not to mention the ever useful Shadow Conjuration/Evocation spells get the bonus. If you're into the Shadow spells, see if you can convince your DM to allow you to take that feat in Dragon Magazine that makes the shadow spells +20% more real. #3 is more of a your preference towards spells. I think Evocation gets the most out of spell focus. Necromancy and Transmutation get roughly an equal benefit from Spell Focus. Depends on your preference really. If you're into save or die type of spells, Transmutation (Baleful Polymorph, Disintigrate, etc.) or Necromancy are the way to go.
Vanigo 08-27-06, 08:13 PM	Transmutation is also a good choice if you want to do a lot of debuffing.
Purple Yin 08-27-06, 09:26 PM	1) Illusion 2) Conjuration 3) Transmutation
malykoth 08-27-06, 09:30 PM	...is there any Transmutation spell that can kill several creatures if they fail their save?? PHB: Disintegrate - old standby Sandstorm: Flesh to Salt, Mass: - self explanitory...melt them with water or break them with a hammer. Fuse Sand - if they fail, they sink into the sand, are trapped beneath it, and start to suffocate. Can only be saved by someone attempting to release them from beneath the thick glass.
Seerow 08-27-06, 09:41 PM	Evokation=No. Seriously, every time someone says it's a good choice a little piece of me dies inside.
smrtgmp 08-28-06, 12:40 AM	If splat books are allowed there are some solid save-dependant evocations. Great thunderclap, for instance. Its also nice for spells like resilient sphere. I'll agree its not something I would take to boost my DD spells (not that I cast too many of those). I would go with enchantment and necromancy for sure. the 3rd school would depend on the level of play. While rather worthless at low levels, spell focus abjuration is great at high levels when you have spells like prismatic wall/sphere and imprisonment.
Lich thing 08-28-06, 06:03 PM	spell focus abjuration is great at high levels when you have spells like prismatic wall/sphere and imprisonment. There's no save for Imprisionment...
Vanigo 08-28-06, 07:07 PM	There's no save for Imprisionment... Yes, there is. I don't think there was one in 3.0, but in 3.5 it's will negates.
smrtgmp 08-28-06, 07:10 PM	There's no save for Imprisionment...tsk tsk tsk. I check my facts before I post. imprisonment (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/imprisonment.htm)
Oakspar77777 08-28-06, 07:43 PM	Well, of course, the correct answer is "whatever three schools you use." There are, however, certian preferences that are just based on playstyle. Abjuration: Only useful at very high levels where Abjuration goes on the offensive. Conjuration: Another sub-par choice, since most of your damage potential is non-direct. Divination: Also worthless. Enchantment: DEFINATELY. No school has more "save or die" or "encounter ending" spells. Almost everything in this school has a Will save and most of them are wasted spells if that save is made. Evocation: There are plenty of saves here, but, often they are save for half, meaning that you are garunteed some bang for your buck. Still, against Evasion foes and to get the most out of your spells, this school is a good choice. Illusion: It depends on if you are using this school offensively or defensively. If you are a dedicated Conjurer who just uses invisability as a shield, then forget it. If, however, you plan to use the offensive spells, then take it. Necromancy: Necro has some good "save or die" and some "save or get your abilities whacked." Most of the ones that are good enough to use AND need a high save are mid to late game spells. So, I would put it off until you accumulate a few spells that need it. Transmutation: There are not many early options, but once you hit the almighty Disentegrate, then this will likely become a "must" school. So, my top three would be Enchantment first, and then to choose two from Evocation, Illusion, Necromancy, or Transmutation based on the spells you find yourself using the most.
Skeeve 08-28-06, 08:38 PM	Evokation=No. Seriously, every time someone says it's a good choice a little piece of me dies inside. I'm curious. Does this mean you think that evocation is a poor choice for spell focus, or that you think spell focus is a poor choice overall? I don't really understand why Evocation's a bad choice for your Spell Focus, assuming you're set on taking it at all.
SageBahamut 08-28-06, 09:32 PM	There's no reason to show hate for Evocation. Most of your army-clearing blasting spells are Evocation until you get to higher levels and start hucking Horrid Wiltings or Implosions. Disintegrate is still a few levels off when the might of Fireball and Lightning Bolt becomes a given. Some of the best "oh my god we're dead... wait, what kobolds?" spells come from it.
JulesCARV 08-28-06, 09:55 PM	It seems to me that the best way to go is to have one spell focus school that targets will saves, one spell focus school that targets reflex saves, and one spell focus school that targets fortitude saves. Schools vs. Will Saves: Illusion, Enchantment, Abjuration Schools vs. Reflex Saves: Evocation Schools vs. Fortitude Saves: Transmutation, Necromancy Divination has Will saves, but aren't what one usually thinks of in the heat of battle. Conjuration is an oddball mix. If you have all spell focii focusing on one save -- for example, spell focus Illusion, Enchantment, and Abjuration -- then you'll find it tough targetting the weak spots of enemies with good saves in that department.
The Simbul 08-29-06, 01:31 AM	The ones whose spells generally dont do anything if the target makes their saving throw, which largely are; Enchantment Illusion Necromancy Taking spell focus for schools that have a large number of "no save" or "save for half damage" spells is generally more of a waste. Transmutation is only worthwhile if you plan on doing alot of polymorphing, disintegrating, and petrification. Abjuration, Conjuration, and Divination have very few spells where a save is crucial, and Evocation gives diminishing returns (half damage) on successful saves, as well as having numerous rays or no save effects.
Rhavin_the_Risen 08-29-06, 10:23 AM	:pbbbtt: Necromancy :yuck: 1. Enchantment 2. Illusion 3. Transmutation so far I have not looked up any necromancy spells to their full text
Lich thing 08-30-06, 07:06 PM	Yes, there is. I don't think there was one in 3.0, but in 3.5 it's will negates. My miss! Lookin at 3rd ed PHB! :D :pbbbtt: Necromancy :yuck: ??? Really dun understand... necromancy spells can become "The Ones" with SF... really... u will see some creatures just "vanishing" before u. See ya!
Mr. Master 09-06-06, 07:05 PM	Invocation Transmutation Illusion
Nom 09-06-06, 07:48 PM	If you had to take spell focus on 3 schools, which will they be????I wouldn't. I'd take greater spell focus in one of them. The spell focus bonus isn't very big so you need to milk it for everything it is worth. Spreading it around is a waste of feats. It's the equivalent to taking weapon focus with 4 weapons if you could have taken GWF/GWS with one.
Sapp 09-06-06, 08:00 PM	Divination is one I choose more often than the others. I normally just stick to vanilla Wizard though. Coincidentally, I think Clairsentience is the best discipline for Psions. If you're playing in an Evil-centric campaign though, then Telepathy takes the cake. Whether it's for helping your party prepare for what's up ahead, hunting other spellcasters and/or manifesters, or just keeping yourself alive in general, Divinations (whether Arcane or Psionic) don't disappoint, and it doesn't force forbid from you 2 different schools.
WhiteRaven810 09-06-06, 08:05 PM	Enchantment Illusion Evocation/Necromancy
smrtgmp 09-07-06, 04:50 AM	Divination is one I choose more often than the others.As much as I love divination (and seers, I love seers), there really arent that many save dependant divinations.
Sapp 09-07-06, 02:27 PM	My bad. Didn't carefully read the thread. Didn't even pay attention to the title. I listed a School for Specialization. I normally don't specialize anyway.
green_yawgmoth 09-07-06, 03:25 PM	My votes go for necromancy, illusion, and evocation. The only reason I don't say enchantment is because a lot of things are just wholly immume to [mind-affecting], which enchantment is almost 100%. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Rerednaw 09-09-06, 12:28 PM	Actually one factor that may influence your choice is what kind of caster you are playing. Is he a warmage, a specialist or a generalist? That aside, Transmutation and Enchantment are pretty good schools with lots of the save or die spells. Also in 3.5 Conjuration had some of it's best save or ouch spells downgraded in effectiveness (Cloudkill) I tend to play summoners though so I usually take spell focus in Conjuration because of the prerequisite for Augment Summoning.
Seerow 09-09-06, 05:38 PM	I know this was from a while ago but I'm curious. Does this mean you think that evocation is a poor choice for spell focus, or that you think spell focus is a poor choice overall? I don't really understand why Evocation's a bad choice for your Spell Focus, assuming you're set on taking it at all. Evocation is a poor choice for spell focus. Or really, casting evocation spells at all is a poor choice of a way to spend, or rather waste, your time.
Bladegeek 09-10-06, 01:30 AM	Evokation=No. Seriously, every time someone says it's a good choice a little piece of me dies inside. Please! There are times....and a lot of them..no matter how clever you are the Wizard has to step up and save the parties ass by killing the bad guy. That usually means a good evocation spell. The top three are: #1: Enchantment #2: Illusions #3: Evocation
Oakspar77777 09-10-06, 05:09 PM	It is not that Wizards do not cast Evocations, it is that they are so seldom save dependent. You need focus for Save or Die spells, where a save ends the fight or does nothing. Hold Person is a perfect example. Save means nothing happens. A fail means that the enemy is frozen and awaits a happy little Coup to kill. Evocation spells are best used for area kills. As you grow in level, you will keep on using those Fireballs all the time. They are used, however, to control masses of weaker minions. If you only have a single target, it is better to save or die against it. So, Evocation focus only helps make you a more efficient minion killer. It isn't that it doesn't help, it is just not that important. Let the Fighter cut down the minions while you kill the boss with a single spell. That will work MUCH better than mass killing the minions and leaving the boss to the Fighter.
Seerow 09-10-06, 08:59 PM	Please! There are times....and a lot of them..no matter how clever you are the Wizard has to step up and save the parties ass by killing the bad guy. That usually means a good evocation spell. Funny, I didn't know there were that many good Save or Die spells in Evocation. If it's the Wizard who has to step up and kill the badguy, and the Meat-shield...er Fighter couldn't do it with his sword, the Wizard's Cone of Cold isn't going to cut it. But his Phantasmal Killer might. Meteor Swarm won't cut it, Wail of the Banshee might. Edit: Even at lower levels: Magic Missile won't kill it, Sleep/Color Spray might. Scorching Ray isn't going to cut it, Hideous Laughter might. The only -really- good Evocation spell I can think of offhand is Forcecage. And honestly? That one's stupidly broken because it's one of those "Haha I take you out of the Fight with NO SAVE" type spells.
Broken vacuum 09-11-06, 03:42 AM	The only -really- good Evocation spell I can think of offhand is Forcecage. And honestly? That one's stupidly broken because it's one of those "Haha I take you out of the Fight with NO SAVE" type spells. You seem to have a rather limited view on evocation. Using just core there is really not that much need for spell focus in evocation (non-core sources can change this as smrtgmp pointed out), but evocation has a decent number of very handy spells in core. Contingency, assorted wall spells, light spells, Gust of Wind, Leomund's Tiny Hut, Otiluke's sphere spells, Shatter and so on are all rather nice. Evocation is more than just direct damage spells. And I really do not agree that Forcecage is broken. It does have an expensive material component and there are various ways of escape. It comes into play at a level where access to extraordinary means of travel should not be unusual, so indiscriminate use will probably just cost you a lot of gp.