I have a wizard archmage, and I'm looking at the spell-like ability higher arcana. A few questions on how the ability works. First of all, what would the save DC of the spell be based off? Spell-like abilities are usually based off charisma; there's nothing in the archmage ability that states otherwise. However, it also has weird wording about the SLA coming from a spell slot... go look it up yourself =) As a wizard with charisma 8 at the moment, I'd rather prefer to have it go off the 30 intelligence
On a similar note, spell-like abilities run off your hitdice for caster level usually. I have an orange prism ioun stone and a ring of arcane might, and a +2 bonus to caster level for divination spells (from Divine Oracle, Oracle domain). Would any of that boost the caster level for the SLA?
If you have concrete answers, great, but I don't think they exist. The higher arcana wording is sufficiently strange that I'm after (justified) opinions.
Thanks,
Jolyon
I'd definitely allow you to use the normal (Wizard) DC -just silly otherwise
CL... probably your Wizard CL too.
What spell did you have in mind for this? (gotta be 6th+ to be worth it at all to my mind though I suppose you could take those level bumps to get more than 2/day but you'd better plan to play some ADPs ;))
No real justification: just seems right to me.
The reason why I'm looking at it is that it gives me something to do when grappled in a silence field. SLAs still work there ;)
Specifically, I'm looking at Limited Wish, twice per day, for a 5th and a 7th level spell slot, given that I usually prep it anyway. Yes, I know there's a restriction on xp spending, so if I use it twice in the first day of the mod, I can't use it again. But I think it would be a nice capstone ability - the archmage can cast freedom of movement on himself while grappled in a dimensional lock and silenced. I don't know of any wizard who doesn't run out of tricks in that situation, barring items.
I wouldn't give you the CL boost though; you also would get the benefit of your Spell Focus feats. I think these things only work on spells, not SLAs.
Now, having played at Archmage to retirement, I wouldn't (didn't) pick SLA as one of my high arcana. I think shaping and elements are just too good. Some people who don't do a lot of damage, don't pick elements, but even for some buff spells (fires of purity) - elements is worth it.
SLA would be my 3rd choice. In a campaign without 9th level spells (e.g. timestop), I would choose Limited Wish for my SLA. But in LG you are limited with this choice.
Daren
Assuming you have access, just buy a Ring of Freedom of Movement - it is a nice capstone item.
Daren
It's not a terribly powerful ability, but you can do neat things with it. For example, quicken spell like ability as your 15th level feat, assuming you selected a 4th level spell or lower.
The reason why I'm looking at it is that it gives me something to do when grappled in a silence field. SLAs still work there ;)
Specifically, I'm looking at Limited Wish, twice per day, for a 5th and a 7th level spell slot, given that I usually prep it anyway. Yes, I know there's a restriction on xp spending, so if I use it twice in the first day of the mod, I can't use it again. But I think it would be a nice capstone ability - the archmage can cast freedom of movement on himself while grappled in a dimensional lock and silenced. I don't know of any wizard who doesn't run out of tricks in that situation, barring items.
I had elemental mastery for a while (a long while, actually); I just found that I didn't need it all that often. It was more significant when I was playing a whole lot of Iuz and Perrenland mods that kept on having things that were resistant or immune to fire, but now, it's eating an 8th level slot. I don't do much direct damage nowadays anyway.
As for the ring of Freedom of Movement, well, I've got the ring of arcane mastery, and the other ring slot is being competed for by the ring of enduring arcana and the ring of greater counterspells... and I'd also like that ring of anticipation... mmmm, tasty rings
Nah, just saving up for the freedom armour enhancement (not all that much more expensive).Freedom armor works - it is cheaper that the Ring if you have no other enhancements on your armor. Ring of Greater Counterspells would work nice with the CL boosts that you have. The caster level boost is actually another option for your high arcana - CL18 on all spells and CL20 on Div. spells (before any TV from Karma Bead trick) would be sweet.
Daren
Yup... I'd need to roll that concentration check. +29 bonus...
I had elemental mastery for a while (a long while, actually); I just found that I didn't need it all that often. It was more significant when I was playing a whole lot of Iuz and Perrenland mods that kept on having things that were resistant or immune to fire, but now, it's eating an 8th level slot. I don't do much direct damage nowadays anyway.
As for the ring of Freedom of Movement, well, I've got the ring of arcane mastery, and the other ring slot is being competed for by the ring of enduring arcana and the ring of greater counterspells... and I'd also like that ring of anticipation... mmmm, tasty rings
Heart of Water works for that Silened Grapple problem... as does a Metamagic Silence Rod.
Limited Wish is an incredible spell to have in your SLA slot though - especially given that you're guaranteed to cast it twice per mod
Caster level boosts are dependent on whether or not it specifies spells - if a Gnome caster had an Orange Prism, I wouldn't expect it to raise the caster level of his SLA as an example.
Bead of Karma no(casts his spells)
Orange Prism yes(+1 caster level, doesn't say to what)
Ring of Arcane Might no(any arcane spells you cast).
Divine Oracle(you cast all divination spells)