Choosing spells [Archive] - Wizards Community

Choosing spells [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
yamilonewolf
05-23-06, 03:48 PM Just asking for suggestions... I'm a sorcerer and like using offenceive spells like magic missle and fireball, I'm not adverse to debilitating foes and enlarging the party's monk, but I was looking ahead in the levels planning what spells i should learn and decided to ask what some of your favourites were. (I'm realitivly new to the game, but not so much)
mvincent
05-23-06, 04:57 PM 1st: Magic missile, feather fall, buff: mage armor (also recommend wands/scroll of enlarge, protection from evil and detect magic)

2nd: rope trick, buff: alter-self (troglodyte for +6 natural armor)

3rd: Fireball, buff: protection from energy

4th: Black Tentacles, Dimension Door, buff: Mnemonic Enhancer (used on the previous day)

5th: Teleport
tarkin
05-23-06, 05:34 PM Note, you are playing a Sorceror and as such can not really make use of Mnemonic Enhancer. Note, when playing a Wizard, I prefer to use a wand of Mnemonic Enhancer, not cast it.

I really like:

2:
False Life. Who needs a cleric? Cast it BEFORE battle instead of screaming for healing during the fight.

Mirror Image. Afraid of Touch attacks? Not me.

4:
Resilient Sphere - is it a defensive spell? a prison spell? BOTH are great

Greater Invisibility. Good for you AND Rogues become your b!tch when you offer to cast this on them. Throw in some non-detection for some extra protection.
mvincent
05-23-06, 06:45 PM Note, you are playing a Sorceror and as such can not really make use of Mnemonic Enhancer.Good catch (I just cut/pasted my wizard favorites)

Note, when playing a Wizard, I prefer to use a wand of Mnemonic Enhancer, not cast it.Hm. As I read this spell:
On the day before a big adventure you could prep all your 4th level and higher slots (around 20) with Mnemonic Enhancer, then that night use them to prep fireballs and such.

The following day you will effectively have an extra 20 third level spells. Doing this instead with a wand of Mnemonic Enhancer would cost you 8,400 gp (each time, and you don't get it back).
Sci-D
05-23-06, 11:36 PM 1st: Magic Missile, Sleep, backbiter
2nd: Tashas Hideous Laughter, Entice Gift, Web
3rd: Fireball, Fly
4th: Orb of Cold

With Sorcerers limited feats, what is best there? I like heritage feats or combat casting to start with. Some prestige classes allow extra feats without loss of spell casting levels. Look for those to satisfy prerequisites and gain more sorcerous abilities at moderate levels, but thats probably another forum
smrtgmp
05-24-06, 05:34 AM 3 immediate action spells no sorcerer should be without:

2nd level: wings of cover (races of the dragon)
3rd level: permiable form (lords of madness)
4th level: ruin delver's fortune (spell compendium)

great thunderclap (3rd level, spell compendium) is an amazing spell.
Warmage-in-Onley
05-24-06, 12:08 PM I must be blind, I can't find Permeable Form in LoM! Page #? Please help!

Smrtgmp turned me on to Ruin Delver's Fortune - fantastic Sorc spell - don't leave home (4th level) without it!
Puca
05-24-06, 01:17 PM I'm not adverse to debilitating foes and enlarging the party's monk,Those are my favorite strategies there. but I was looking ahead in the levels planning what spells i should learn That is the most important thing. Plan ahead, way ahead.

First level: RoE, Grease, and Enlarge Person are my favorites. They are almost as good at level 20 as at level 1.

A lot of people suggest Mage Armor and Shield. Mage armor is good at like levels one and two. After that, a wand of it is so cheap, that I can use that until Bracers of Armor are more reasonable.

Shield is also great, and its ability to block Magic Missiles is awesome, but at really low levels, you almost have to cast it in the first round of combat, and I typically have other things I want to do right then. Again, a wand.

Second level: Tarkin is right on with False Life. I cant see why anyone would not take this spell. In addition, it increases in power as you level, and its a low enough level that later it is perfect for applying metamagic like Empower.

Same goes for Mirror Image.

You said you like doing direct damage, so you will need Scorching Ray. It is one of the best individual attack spells at any level.

At third, you gotta have Dispel Magic, but I take it knowing that Im going to drop is latter for the greater version. (Plan your dropped spells!)

That spell Permeable Form, if its the one Im thinking of that makes you immune to crits and SA, is nice, til you can get something like Fortification.

I also really had a good time with Arms of Plenty (also from LoM) but my DM let a rogue with those extra arms also get SA damage with them, when appropriate, and I dont know that all will. If they do, two extra attacks that dont hurt your to-hit numbers is sweet. Especially if you like being a supporter over a blaster.

Fourth level is the worst. There are just too many awesome spells: Enervation, Orb of Force, Polymorph, Evards Black Tentacles, Dimension Door.

Ill give Shadow Evocation though its own paragraph. Well, shared with the fifth-level Shadow Conjuration.

Shadow spells have serious weaknesses: They allow SR, and they grant a Will Save. Know and plan for that. Their strength lies in that with one Shadow Evocation on your spells-know, you essentially are adding more than a score of Evocations, and you can pick the right one for the right situation, which is what you do as a sorcerer. The level of versatility these spells give you when you consider the limitations of your spells-known list makes them the best possible option. I take the whole chain, dropping the lesser versions as I take the better. Just keep a couple of lower level spells that you can use, preferably those that can bypass SR and dont allow a Will Save.
smrtgmp
05-25-06, 12:25 AM I must be blind, I can't find Permeable Form in LoM! Page #? Please help!My LoM is at my friends house so I cant give you an exact page number, but I know its in the tochar (sp?) chapter and on the upper right-hand corner of a right-hand page. I think there might be a picture of a tower or something. Very blue and grey, IIRC. Sorry I cant be more specific.
Warmage-in-Onley
05-25-06, 01:23 AM Missed my Spot (& Search) checks the first time (kept looking in the spells section in the back)! Page 129, just as you described (tower on following page, though). Thanks!
smrtgmp
05-25-06, 01:47 AM no problem. :)

while you're looking at that, check a few pages earlier for the mindsight feat, which makes that first level dip into mindbender that much sweeter. Friggin amazing.
Nausicaa
05-25-06, 02:39 AM I always suggest 2 spells: Suggestion and Baleful Trasposition (SC).. the latter can save your life in a bunch of strange situations, the first is and remains a great control spell, useful in every single occasion.
DOKS_DM_Bill
05-25-06, 05:57 AM hmm good "offensive" suggestions
Recommend Metamagic Rod of Empower, lesser
Recommend Metamagic Rod of Chaining
Recommend Split Ray Feat Also Reach Spell (Used to make touch spells into Rays, which could then be Split Ray'd)

Just a few thoughts on Offensive Spells...

Shivering Touch, [Chained] - Level 6th -

Disintegrate - Level 6th

Ray of Stupidity [Chained] - Int Damage all around

Wall of Ooze 5th Level Cleric/Sor/Wiz Another Favorite, and its not (Evil) subtype either (Book of Vile Darkness)

Sleet Storm 4th Level Probably in a wand.... Main usage Frenzy Beserkers are not allowed to make the Balance Check so they stay prone for its' duration

Empowered Scorching Ray 4th Level Slot (PHB) - Insane Dmg for its level

Phantasmal Killer 4th Level - Main usage is to Destroy those Pesky Evasion users

Enervation 4th Level - 1d4 negative levels is Effective against most 'things'

Great Thunderclap Sor/Wiz 3rd Level Slot (Spell Compendium) - Forces a Fort Save, a Will Save, and a Reflex save (all 3 in just one spell)

Dispel Magic 3rd - A must for Every Spellcaster

Shivering Touch - 3d6 Dex Damage by Touch (SR = Yes).... But can you say Dragon Hunter?

Scorching Ray 2nd Level

Ray of Stupidity 2nd Level (Spell Compendium) - Does Int damage Extremely Useful against Anything that isn't very Intelligent such as Animals, Many Magical Beasts, Various Intelligent Undead (as they are immune to Ability Damage to their Strength, & Dex, but not against Iint, Wis, Cha Damage)

Shivering Touch, Lesser Level 1 - 1d6 Dex Damage by Touch

Orb of <insert type>, Lesser Level 1 - Note these are Conjuration (Creation) with a Duration of Instantaneous (Hence Useful vs Golems)
smrtgmp
05-25-06, 07:11 AM you cant chain shivering touch.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
yamilonewolf 05-23-06, 03:48 PM	Just asking for suggestions... I'm a sorcerer and like using offenceive spells like magic missle and fireball, I'm not adverse to debilitating foes and enlarging the party's monk, but I was looking ahead in the levels planning what spells i should learn and decided to ask what some of your favourites were. (I'm realitivly new to the game, but not so much)
mvincent 05-23-06, 04:57 PM	1st: Magic missile, feather fall, buff: mage armor (also recommend wands/scroll of enlarge, protection from evil and detect magic) 2nd: rope trick, buff: alter-self (troglodyte for +6 natural armor) 3rd: Fireball, buff: protection from energy 4th: Black Tentacles, Dimension Door, buff: Mnemonic Enhancer (used on the previous day) 5th: Teleport
tarkin 05-23-06, 05:34 PM	Note, you are playing a Sorceror and as such can not really make use of Mnemonic Enhancer. Note, when playing a Wizard, I prefer to use a wand of Mnemonic Enhancer, not cast it. I really like: 2: False Life. Who needs a cleric? Cast it BEFORE battle instead of screaming for healing during the fight. Mirror Image. Afraid of Touch attacks? Not me. 4: Resilient Sphere - is it a defensive spell? a prison spell? BOTH are great Greater Invisibility. Good for you AND Rogues become your b!tch when you offer to cast this on them. Throw in some non-detection for some extra protection.
mvincent 05-23-06, 06:45 PM	Note, you are playing a Sorceror and as such can not really make use of Mnemonic Enhancer.Good catch (I just cut/pasted my wizard favorites) Note, when playing a Wizard, I prefer to use a wand of Mnemonic Enhancer, not cast it.Hm. As I read this spell: On the day before a big adventure you could prep all your 4th level and higher slots (around 20) with Mnemonic Enhancer, then that night use them to prep fireballs and such. The following day you will effectively have an extra 20 third level spells. Doing this instead with a wand of Mnemonic Enhancer would cost you 8,400 gp (each time, and you don't get it back).
Sci-D 05-23-06, 11:36 PM	1st: Magic Missile, Sleep, backbiter 2nd: Tashas Hideous Laughter, Entice Gift, Web 3rd: Fireball, Fly 4th: Orb of Cold With Sorcerers limited feats, what is best there? I like heritage feats or combat casting to start with. Some prestige classes allow extra feats without loss of spell casting levels. Look for those to satisfy prerequisites and gain more sorcerous abilities at moderate levels, but thats probably another forum
smrtgmp 05-24-06, 05:34 AM	3 immediate action spells no sorcerer should be without: 2nd level: wings of cover (races of the dragon) 3rd level: permiable form (lords of madness) 4th level: ruin delver's fortune (spell compendium) great thunderclap (3rd level, spell compendium) is an amazing spell.
Warmage-in-Onley 05-24-06, 12:08 PM	I must be blind, I can't find Permeable Form in LoM! Page #? Please help! Smrtgmp turned me on to Ruin Delver's Fortune - fantastic Sorc spell - don't leave home (4th level) without it!
Puca 05-24-06, 01:17 PM	I'm not adverse to debilitating foes and enlarging the party's monk,Those are my favorite strategies there. but I was looking ahead in the levels planning what spells i should learn That is the most important thing. Plan ahead, way ahead. First level: RoE, Grease, and Enlarge Person are my favorites. They are almost as good at level 20 as at level 1. A lot of people suggest Mage Armor and Shield. Mage armor is good at like levels one and two. After that, a wand of it is so cheap, that I can use that until Bracers of Armor are more reasonable. Shield is also great, and its ability to block Magic Missiles is awesome, but at really low levels, you almost have to cast it in the first round of combat, and I typically have other things I want to do right then. Again, a wand. Second level: Tarkin is right on with False Life. I cant see why anyone would not take this spell. In addition, it increases in power as you level, and its a low enough level that later it is perfect for applying metamagic like Empower. Same goes for Mirror Image. You said you like doing direct damage, so you will need Scorching Ray. It is one of the best individual attack spells at any level. At third, you gotta have Dispel Magic, but I take it knowing that Im going to drop is latter for the greater version. (Plan your dropped spells!) That spell Permeable Form, if its the one Im thinking of that makes you immune to crits and SA, is nice, til you can get something like Fortification. I also really had a good time with Arms of Plenty (also from LoM) but my DM let a rogue with those extra arms also get SA damage with them, when appropriate, and I dont know that all will. If they do, two extra attacks that dont hurt your to-hit numbers is sweet. Especially if you like being a supporter over a blaster. Fourth level is the worst. There are just too many awesome spells: Enervation, Orb of Force, Polymorph, Evards Black Tentacles, Dimension Door. Ill give Shadow Evocation though its own paragraph. Well, shared with the fifth-level Shadow Conjuration. Shadow spells have serious weaknesses: They allow SR, and they grant a Will Save. Know and plan for that. Their strength lies in that with one Shadow Evocation on your spells-know, you essentially are adding more than a score of Evocations, and you can pick the right one for the right situation, which is what you do as a sorcerer. The level of versatility these spells give you when you consider the limitations of your spells-known list makes them the best possible option. I take the whole chain, dropping the lesser versions as I take the better. Just keep a couple of lower level spells that you can use, preferably those that can bypass SR and dont allow a Will Save.
smrtgmp 05-25-06, 12:25 AM	I must be blind, I can't find Permeable Form in LoM! Page #? Please help!My LoM is at my friends house so I cant give you an exact page number, but I know its in the tochar (sp?) chapter and on the upper right-hand corner of a right-hand page. I think there might be a picture of a tower or something. Very blue and grey, IIRC. Sorry I cant be more specific.
Warmage-in-Onley 05-25-06, 01:23 AM	Missed my Spot (& Search) checks the first time (kept looking in the spells section in the back)! Page 129, just as you described (tower on following page, though). Thanks!
smrtgmp 05-25-06, 01:47 AM	no problem. :) while you're looking at that, check a few pages earlier for the mindsight feat, which makes that first level dip into mindbender that much sweeter. Friggin amazing.
Nausicaa 05-25-06, 02:39 AM	I always suggest 2 spells: Suggestion and Baleful Trasposition (SC).. the latter can save your life in a bunch of strange situations, the first is and remains a great control spell, useful in every single occasion.
DOKS_DM_Bill 05-25-06, 05:57 AM	hmm good "offensive" suggestions Recommend Metamagic Rod of Empower, lesser Recommend Metamagic Rod of Chaining Recommend Split Ray Feat Also Reach Spell (Used to make touch spells into Rays, which could then be Split Ray'd) Just a few thoughts on Offensive Spells... Shivering Touch, [Chained] - Level 6th - Disintegrate - Level 6th Ray of Stupidity [Chained] - Int Damage all around Wall of Ooze 5th Level Cleric/Sor/Wiz Another Favorite, and its not (Evil) subtype either (Book of Vile Darkness) Sleet Storm 4th Level Probably in a wand.... Main usage Frenzy Beserkers are not allowed to make the Balance Check so they stay prone for its' duration Empowered Scorching Ray 4th Level Slot (PHB) - Insane Dmg for its level Phantasmal Killer 4th Level - Main usage is to Destroy those Pesky Evasion users Enervation 4th Level - 1d4 negative levels is Effective against most 'things' Great Thunderclap Sor/Wiz 3rd Level Slot (Spell Compendium) - Forces a Fort Save, a Will Save, and a Reflex save (all 3 in just one spell) Dispel Magic 3rd - A must for Every Spellcaster Shivering Touch - 3d6 Dex Damage by Touch (SR = Yes).... But can you say Dragon Hunter? Scorching Ray 2nd Level Ray of Stupidity 2nd Level (Spell Compendium) - Does Int damage Extremely Useful against Anything that isn't very Intelligent such as Animals, Many Magical Beasts, Various Intelligent Undead (as they are immune to Ability Damage to their Strength, & Dex, but not against Iint, Wis, Cha Damage) Shivering Touch, Lesser Level 1 - 1d6 Dex Damage by Touch Orb of <insert type>, Lesser Level 1 - Note these are Conjuration (Creation) with a Duration of Instantaneous (Hence Useful vs Golems)
smrtgmp 05-25-06, 07:11 AM	you cant chain shivering touch.