Changeling focused specialist - doable or sheer lunacy? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Changeling focused specialist - doable or sheer lunacy?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
runestar
May 22, 2008 9:35:38 It started as a simple experiment as to how many schools I could have my wizard ban. It somehow led to me contemplating the viability of a changeling wizard with the dual-specialization sub (races of eberron) and the focused specialist variant from complete mage (this combination is possible, right?).

At first glance, the drawbacks seem extremely heinous. 4 banned schools. Considering that I cannot choose transmutation, illusion or divination, that leaves abjuration, conjuration, enchantment, evocation and necromancy (5 choose 4 - what a choice... ). That is a huge chunk of spells I will never be able to access.

On the plus side, I get 3 specialist spell slots for each spell lv, which I can use to memorize either an illusion or a transmutation spell. Each of these 2 schools are fairly strong contenders in their own right, and it seems like the best of both worlds to be able to access both more freely.

So is this a viable method of playing, or have I simply maimed one foot, then proceeded to shoot myself in the other leg? :P
#2
gaffer
May 22, 2008 10:54:50 Don't drop Conjuration, give it a shot.
#3
Endarire
May 23, 2008 0:09:28 It is certainly feasible, though perhaps a bit suicidal, to only cast conjurations and transmutations.

Enchantment, evocation, and necromancy are quick to dump, and abjuration is about on par with illusion in terms of power.
#4
logicninja
May 23, 2008 0:27:54 Where's this idea that necromancy is good to drop come from? Ray of Enfeeblement, Escalating Enfeeblement, Ray of Exhaustion, Enervation, Avasculate, Veil of Undeath...
#5
Endarire
May 23, 2008 0:48:45 Maybe it was a campaign where most opponents were constructs or undead. Maybe it just ain't my style.
#6
phoenix00
May 23, 2008 1:39:52 Take that feat from Dragon 325. Diversified Casting. Puts 3 prohibited spells back on your spell list, each time you take it. Take it as your 1st level feat, and retrain it, so you always have the 3 best spells of that spell list available. If neccessary you can take the feat multiple times.

Wizard 5 for spontaneous divination is nice. Trade out those illusion/transmutation spells on the fly with divination spells.

Somehow get UMD, allowing you to use runestaffs and items of spell lists you don't have. Combine with the previous trick and you will lose little benefit of giving up a school or two. In effect you are trading gold, for extra spells known as well as versatility. Also don't discount being able to cast about 4, 4th level spells at level 7 instead of a mere 2 or 3.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 runestar May 22, 2008 9:35:38	It started as a simple experiment as to how many schools I could have my wizard ban. It somehow led to me contemplating the viability of a changeling wizard with the dual-specialization sub (races of eberron) and the focused specialist variant from complete mage (this combination is possible, right?). At first glance, the drawbacks seem extremely heinous. 4 banned schools. Considering that I cannot choose transmutation, illusion or divination, that leaves abjuration, conjuration, enchantment, evocation and necromancy (5 choose 4 - what a choice... ). That is a huge chunk of spells I will never be able to access. On the plus side, I get 3 specialist spell slots for each spell lv, which I can use to memorize either an illusion or a transmutation spell. Each of these 2 schools are fairly strong contenders in their own right, and it seems like the best of both worlds to be able to access both more freely. So is this a viable method of playing, or have I simply maimed one foot, then proceeded to shoot myself in the other leg? :P
#2 gaffer May 22, 2008 10:54:50	Don't drop Conjuration, give it a shot.
#3 Endarire May 23, 2008 0:09:28	It is certainly feasible, though perhaps a bit suicidal, to only cast conjurations and transmutations. Enchantment, evocation, and necromancy are quick to dump, and abjuration is about on par with illusion in terms of power.
#4 logicninja May 23, 2008 0:27:54	Where's this idea that necromancy is good to drop come from? Ray of Enfeeblement, Escalating Enfeeblement, Ray of Exhaustion, Enervation, Avasculate, Veil of Undeath...
#5 Endarire May 23, 2008 0:48:45	Maybe it was a campaign where most opponents were constructs or undead. Maybe it just ain't my style.
#6 phoenix00 May 23, 2008 1:39:52	Take that feat from Dragon 325. Diversified Casting. Puts 3 prohibited spells back on your spell list, each time you take it. Take it as your 1st level feat, and retrain it, so you always have the 3 best spells of that spell list available. If neccessary you can take the feat multiple times. Wizard 5 for spontaneous divination is nice. Trade out those illusion/transmutation spells on the fly with divination spells. Somehow get UMD, allowing you to use runestaffs and items of spell lists you don't have. Combine with the previous trick and you will lose little benefit of giving up a school or two. In effect you are trading gold, for extra spells known as well as versatility. Also don't discount being able to cast about 4, 4th level spells at level 7 instead of a mere 2 or 3.