Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Wify Jun 16, 2014 0:41:58	Hey everybody. I play a wizard and I have been optimizing it for save-ends effects (imposing these is my favourite part of being a wizard :]). Basically my GM seems to be making creatures that have immunity or must be buffed against save ends effects, e.g. they get a +2 to their roll or a +5 [solos] to their roll. Right now I'm imposing a -5 on the first save, in one level (to level 11) I'll be imposing -9 minimum (red wizard + cunning + phrenic crown + spell focus + Phiarlan Phantasmist) and by level 12 it'll be -11 to illusion spells. I can only imagine things get tougher for my save-locks in paragon.    That is fine: however I've noticed that while my wizard can impose some devestating effects, if the save-ends fail then my wizard becomes a whole lot less effective than our stable-but-steady damage-output strikers. To be more useful to my party, I'd like some advice on:    1. Is it worthwhile saving my dailies for boss-like characters, or will they probably pass their checks? Should I use it on different sorts of enemies? 2. Are there characteristics of enemies that I can watch out for that will probably tell me if they have immunity to charm/fear so I don't waste my daily on them?  3. Any advice on my spellbook choices? Here is what I've chosen:    Sleep (usually pick this) Phantom Chasm   Visions of Avarice (usually pick this - awesome no matter if the save-ends fails) Web   Mirage Arcana (usually pick this because if save-ends fails, it is still very useful)  Face of Death (is it worth picking this in the future when my save ends debuff is higher?)    Thanks!
#2 Seth_Ulrik Jun 16, 2014 6:12:12	Personally, I absolutely love Visions of Avarice. However, if you are finding (save ends) effects to be getting turned into 'pass at end of turn' effects, it may be better to opt out a few of those powers for one's that end at the end of or start of your next turn.
#3 baldhermit Jun 16, 2014 9:15:32	Talk with your DM out of session.
#4 thespaceinvader Jun 17, 2014 3:02:40	If you're playing a Wizard, failing their first save should mean they're dead before they do anything else.  If they get lucky, that's life, you still usually imposed a strong contdition on them for the first of their rounds.   1: You're usually better offusing one daily to control all the boss's underlings than the boss, which as you say, is a lot more likely to have ways out of control.   2: Knowledge checks, dude.  A hard DC knowledge check should tell you resistances and immunities.   3: Unless you have Tome of Readiness (which you don't, from the sound of things) you can usually ignore the second spell in your book and just remember the most useful one.
#5 Noctaem Jun 26, 2014 12:01:14	I would have to echo baldhermit.  Standard monsters do not normally get bonuses to saving throws.  Elite monsters can sometimes get a +2 bonus and solo monsters get +5.  If your DM is giving +2 to every monster you come across BECAUSE you invested in saving throw penalties then you need to speak with him/her about it.  This is an arms race between you and the DM that you will simply not win.  He shouldn't be changing how that stuff works arbitrarily just to screw you over.  This warrants a talk between the both of you.