Forgotten Realms Wizard Prestige Classes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Forgotten Realms Wizard Prestige Classes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Dunlaing
08-16-07, 08:15 AM I am playing a Wizard in a Forgotten Realms campaign. I'm an elf from Evermeet (a Sun Elf or Moon Elf, I forget which...whichever one is secretly a Grey Elf) with the Otherworldly feat.

I'm only 2nd level, but I want to start thinking about what prestige class to take eventually. The sheer number of books is intimidating me,though.

Here is what I'm looking for:

It has to be from a Forgotten Realms book, a Core Book, or a book that starts with the word "Complete" (e.g., Complete Arcane)
It has to have full Arcane Spellcasting progression (I want to be able to cast 9th level spells at 17th level)
It should give me some benefit
It shouldn't require a high Charisma or Wisdom as I have neither

Can anyone suggest some Prestige Classes that fit those requirements?

(also: I know there are really good Elven Wizard Substitution Levels in Races of the Wild, but Races of the Wild isn't on my book list (see above)...is there anywhere else that they are reprinted that might be on my book list?)
Fabius Maximus
08-16-07, 08:29 AM Incantatrix from the Player's Guide would fit. As for elven specific, I think the Olin Gisir PrC from Lost Empires doesn't loose spellcasting progression, either.
Dunlaing
08-16-07, 08:43 AM Incantatrix from the Player's Guide would fit. As for elven specific, I think the Olin Gisir PrC from Lost Empires doesn't loose spellcasting progression, either.

Thanks!

Can you tell me what the basic theme of each of those prestige classes is?
The_Shaman
08-16-07, 12:23 PM The first question is, what do you want your character to do and be like? There are, as you said, a lot of PrCs for mages. To comment on the above:

- Incantatrix. The mistress (or master, if you're an incantatar) of metamagic. Choose this PrC if you want to be able to tailor your spells to your liking through various metamagic feats and even be able to take over others' spells. Comparing an average mage's command of the Art to that of an incantatrix is like comparing a high school date with a Casanova seduction - both may get the same result, but apart from that... Anyway, be warned: the PrC requires you to renounce one spell school as if you had specialized. You can use those spells that you already know, but learn no more.

- Olin Gisir (Lost Empires of Faerun): in mechanics, it is a little like a Loremaster lite, but has a slightly different flavor. Often dubbed secret-keepers, these mages know much but let known little. They are usually the caretakers of dangerous places, such as demon-inhabited ruins or tombs containing powerful magic. They learn additional spells and tricks that let them have an edge in keeping intruders - from this plane or others - at bay and prevail against the inhabitants of the places they guard.

Some of the other options are:

- Arcane Devotee: deeply religious mages are rare, but not uncommon, especially among Elves whose bond to magic comes from Corellon's blood. While this is not one of the most powerful prestige classes, it will give you protection from the spells of enemy clerics and boost such bestowed by those of your own creed. Your deity's protection can take other forms, as well.

- Shadow Adept: few elves would follow the way of the Lady of Loss or even use her dark creation, but those who do gain powerful abilities from their mastery of the Shadow Weave. Shadow mages have their enchantment, necromancy, and illusion spells amplified at the expense of the others, and those who reach the ranks of the shadow adept elites can call on various other protections and attacks. If the enmity of most mages and the clergy of Mystra (and other deities, as well) does not discourage you, this can be quite powerful.

- Archmage: what is there to say? It is hard to qualify for the PrC, but you might find it worthwhile. The special abilities are well worth the high cost if you know how to use them, and there is something for almost every mage there. Consider taking some archmage levels at the end of your progression.

- Master specialist (CMage): elves have a good reason to be generalist wizards - great substitution levels from Races of the Wild and, of course, keeping access to all schools, but if you are not, the MS class is a great way to boost your powers. No reason not to take it if you can, really.

- Master of the Sevenfold Veil (CArc): an option for a mage who wants to have a really impressive defense. In between more powerful abjurations, elemental veiling, and more, it is a solid option for any mage worried about defense. Specialist abjurers with MS and Mo7V levels can practically "shut down" other mages.

- Abjurant Champion (CMage): mixing martial prowess and magic has long been an elven talent, and a mage who wants more combat prowess couldn't do better. In addition, the PrC offers for ainteresting abjuration-related abilities that any mage could value, such as getting more AC from your shield spell, casting low-level abjurations more quickly, etc. Still, it works best for a gish build.

You can also adapt PrCs such as the Guild Wizard of Waterdeep (or its CArc version, Mage of the Arcane Order), War Wizard of Cormyr or Spellguard of Siverymoon. Alternatively, you could just chance upon those locales in your travels, and earn your entry in the group - hence PrC. Divine Oracle (CDiv), Loremaster (DMG) and Fatespinner (CArc) are also good options imo.
Dunlaing
08-16-07, 01:04 PM What do i want my character to do and be like? I'd mostly like him to be arrogant and look down on people who can't cast high level spells. I'd also like him to be a generalist with as wide a selection of spells as possible. That last part may push me away from Incantatrix, actually.

Archmage: what is there to say? It is hard to qualify for the PrC, but you might find it worthwhile. The special abilities are well worth the high cost if you know how to use them,...

What do you mean? Are there particularly good combinations or something?
The_Shaman
08-16-07, 06:36 PM Well, choosing high arcana abilities depends on what your wizard is geared towards, really. Mastery of counterspelling is cute in itself, but give it to a master specialist abjurer/Initiate of the 7-fold veil with reactive counterspell and it becomes a nightmare for enemy wizards. Similarly, choosing the right spell for a spell-like ability (I am a fan of keeping a dimension door or time stop for emergencies, YMMV - having a spell with a long casting time as a standard-action-ability can be great too) can help you a lot as well. Conversely, a wizard with a penchant for using offensive spells might find mastery of elements and mastery of shaping worth his time.

"I'd mostly like him to be arrogant and look down on people who can't cast high level spells. I'd also like him to be a generalist with as wide a selection of spells as possible."

That rules out Master specialist, probably anything exalted. Any additional magical preferences? I get the feeling that your character might like flashy spells, but perhaps I am wrong.
imakuni67
08-17-07, 12:32 PM The Lore Master isn't too bad really either if you are nerdy

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dunlaing 08-16-07, 08:15 AM	I am playing a Wizard in a Forgotten Realms campaign. I'm an elf from Evermeet (a Sun Elf or Moon Elf, I forget which...whichever one is secretly a Grey Elf) with the Otherworldly feat. I'm only 2nd level, but I want to start thinking about what prestige class to take eventually. The sheer number of books is intimidating me,though. Here is what I'm looking for: It has to be from a Forgotten Realms book, a Core Book, or a book that starts with the word "Complete" (e.g., Complete Arcane) It has to have full Arcane Spellcasting progression (I want to be able to cast 9th level spells at 17th level) It should give me some benefit It shouldn't require a high Charisma or Wisdom as I have neither Can anyone suggest some Prestige Classes that fit those requirements? (also: I know there are really good Elven Wizard Substitution Levels in Races of the Wild, but Races of the Wild isn't on my book list (see above)...is there anywhere else that they are reprinted that might be on my book list?)
Fabius Maximus 08-16-07, 08:29 AM	Incantatrix from the Player's Guide would fit. As for elven specific, I think the Olin Gisir PrC from Lost Empires doesn't loose spellcasting progression, either.
Dunlaing 08-16-07, 08:43 AM	Incantatrix from the Player's Guide would fit. As for elven specific, I think the Olin Gisir PrC from Lost Empires doesn't loose spellcasting progression, either. Thanks! Can you tell me what the basic theme of each of those prestige classes is?
The_Shaman 08-16-07, 12:23 PM	The first question is, what do you want your character to do and be like? There are, as you said, a lot of PrCs for mages. To comment on the above: - Incantatrix. The mistress (or master, if you're an incantatar) of metamagic. Choose this PrC if you want to be able to tailor your spells to your liking through various metamagic feats and even be able to take over others' spells. Comparing an average mage's command of the Art to that of an incantatrix is like comparing a high school date with a Casanova seduction - both may get the same result, but apart from that... Anyway, be warned: the PrC requires you to renounce one spell school as if you had specialized. You can use those spells that you already know, but learn no more. - Olin Gisir (Lost Empires of Faerun): in mechanics, it is a little like a Loremaster lite, but has a slightly different flavor. Often dubbed secret-keepers, these mages know much but let known little. They are usually the caretakers of dangerous places, such as demon-inhabited ruins or tombs containing powerful magic. They learn additional spells and tricks that let them have an edge in keeping intruders - from this plane or others - at bay and prevail against the inhabitants of the places they guard. Some of the other options are: - Arcane Devotee: deeply religious mages are rare, but not uncommon, especially among Elves whose bond to magic comes from Corellon's blood. While this is not one of the most powerful prestige classes, it will give you protection from the spells of enemy clerics and boost such bestowed by those of your own creed. Your deity's protection can take other forms, as well. - Shadow Adept: few elves would follow the way of the Lady of Loss or even use her dark creation, but those who do gain powerful abilities from their mastery of the Shadow Weave. Shadow mages have their enchantment, necromancy, and illusion spells amplified at the expense of the others, and those who reach the ranks of the shadow adept elites can call on various other protections and attacks. If the enmity of most mages and the clergy of Mystra (and other deities, as well) does not discourage you, this can be quite powerful. - Archmage: what is there to say? It is hard to qualify for the PrC, but you might find it worthwhile. The special abilities are well worth the high cost if you know how to use them, and there is something for almost every mage there. Consider taking some archmage levels at the end of your progression. - Master specialist (CMage): elves have a good reason to be generalist wizards - great substitution levels from Races of the Wild and, of course, keeping access to all schools, but if you are not, the MS class is a great way to boost your powers. No reason not to take it if you can, really. - Master of the Sevenfold Veil (CArc): an option for a mage who wants to have a really impressive defense. In between more powerful abjurations, elemental veiling, and more, it is a solid option for any mage worried about defense. Specialist abjurers with MS and Mo7V levels can practically "shut down" other mages. - Abjurant Champion (CMage): mixing martial prowess and magic has long been an elven talent, and a mage who wants more combat prowess couldn't do better. In addition, the PrC offers for ainteresting abjuration-related abilities that any mage could value, such as getting more AC from your shield spell, casting low-level abjurations more quickly, etc. Still, it works best for a gish build. You can also adapt PrCs such as the Guild Wizard of Waterdeep (or its CArc version, Mage of the Arcane Order), War Wizard of Cormyr or Spellguard of Siverymoon. Alternatively, you could just chance upon those locales in your travels, and earn your entry in the group - hence PrC. Divine Oracle (CDiv), Loremaster (DMG) and Fatespinner (CArc) are also good options imo.
Dunlaing 08-16-07, 01:04 PM	What do i want my character to do and be like? I'd mostly like him to be arrogant and look down on people who can't cast high level spells. I'd also like him to be a generalist with as wide a selection of spells as possible. That last part may push me away from Incantatrix, actually. Archmage: what is there to say? It is hard to qualify for the PrC, but you might find it worthwhile. The special abilities are well worth the high cost if you know how to use them,... What do you mean? Are there particularly good combinations or something?
The_Shaman 08-16-07, 06:36 PM	Well, choosing high arcana abilities depends on what your wizard is geared towards, really. Mastery of counterspelling is cute in itself, but give it to a master specialist abjurer/Initiate of the 7-fold veil with reactive counterspell and it becomes a nightmare for enemy wizards. Similarly, choosing the right spell for a spell-like ability (I am a fan of keeping a dimension door or time stop for emergencies, YMMV - having a spell with a long casting time as a standard-action-ability can be great too) can help you a lot as well. Conversely, a wizard with a penchant for using offensive spells might find mastery of elements and mastery of shaping worth his time. "I'd mostly like him to be arrogant and look down on people who can't cast high level spells. I'd also like him to be a generalist with as wide a selection of spells as possible." That rules out Master specialist, probably anything exalted. Any additional magical preferences? I get the feeling that your character might like flashy spells, but perhaps I am wrong.
imakuni67 08-17-07, 12:32 PM	The Lore Master isn't too bad really either if you are nerdy