I followed the general idea of Treeantmonk's 'how to be a god' guide. My mage, while a generalist, specialise in battlefield control. It's readily apparent that this is a much more powerful way to use magic then blasting stuff up is.
Still, I have recently started learning a couple of nuke spell in the morning. Why? Because I don't really like twiddling my thumbs for the 3-4+ rounds it take for my ally to finish up the debuffed opponents.
However, this is turning out to be a bad decision as well, because then I'm just 'going nova' and using all my spell on the first fight... and if the DM has more in store for the next day, it become an obvious problem.
It would be smarter to keep my spells slot for better spell then damage spells... but what do I do then?
To give you an example...
Last game we face off against 2 drows with class level attached to them and a Drider of some sort. They were overall much higher level then us, 2 melee class and the Drider used some Arcane spells as well. In any case, after 2 round, I had them Glitterdusted (?) and Greased. The rogue, fighter, ranger and cleric of Kord were in position, the rogue getting his sneak attack off from his flanking bonus.
The battle at this point, was pretty much won. The Drows still gave a fight due to them being overall stronger then us, but with being blinded and slipping on their asses every other round on top of being surrounded, it was 'in the bag' so to say.
In that given scenario, I figured I'd toss a couple Magic Missiles and Seeking Rays to help take them down faster. I ended up using all my spell for that fight, and I know that aside from making it 'faster' those spells were essentially wasted.
But what else could I do? I can try and shoot with my bow (I'm an elf), but -4 to shoot target in melee makes that pretty much pointless. Should I get my folding chair out and start knitting myself a sweater?
A wizard can fire a bow of some sort, but without the right feats spent to focus in archery most of your attacks will be at -4 for firing into combat and you'll miss.
Take no shame for doing your part and then allowing the rest of the party to their part. Burn up all of your spells and you become useless. With spells reserved, you remain a useful tool or a mighty weapon ready to aid when needed.
You have "charges" just like the wand in your party. You wouldn't wast the wand when not needed, so don't waste your own spell charges.
G
You're playing style is wonderful, because you're a team player. You're doing things to make the other players better. Just as an example: the target of glitterdust or grease is subject to sneak attack by the rogue - even without flanking. So, every time the rogue lands a sneak attack in that situation, you're participating in a way - without your spell, the rogue might not be getting his extra damage.
One option you can do is to ready a spell. Something like, "if any of them seem to be getting away I cast X on them/in their way."
.But it's certainly a good long term fix.
EDIT: Also, condier using the 1st level spell Animate Rope. It lasts 1 round/level, and it'll let you attempt to entangle one enemy a turn. It'll chew a grand total of one spell slot for something decent to do each round.
Its Hand of the Apprentice power might appeal to you.
(The game is in alpha open testing, so free to download and check out).
Certainly buy the wand. You can never have too many cheap, good wands.
Look for spells you get to use round after round. Telekinesis will become your best friend. It keeps those pesky opponents in the hazardous area you just made for them, and it lasts the whole combat.
Our DM is somewhat unfamiliar with the magic system. Casters are rare and those we meet usually use the more 'straightforward' spell - quite often, damage spell. As a result, it often feels like my Wizard is much more powerful then the npc casters, since I 'win' fight with a 1 or 2 well placed spell, while the npc use magic somewhat poorly.
A side effect of that, is a rarity in magic items and no real 'magic shop'. I'm afraid buying a wand isn't so much an option. I warned him that this would cause balance problem later on, if all the fighter get is +2 weapon when I'm getting level 5 spells...
Since everyone is having fun anyway, nothing has changed yet. We're essentially in a 'low magic' world, but not by design.
Getting a cheap wand is a very solid idea and one I actually brought up (although it was for a CLW one), but the DM said I'd need to make one myself... that's feat I'm not sure I want to use, not to mention the xp lost, etc...
On Reserve Feat
I'm definitely trying to make room for them without screwing my build atm... kinda wish I had thought of that earlier.
You don't have to do something every round.
I know I don't have to and I know that I'm a huge help to the party when I throw that Sudden Widen Stink Cloud down on 5 badies - I could very well have my character start knitting a sweater and still claim I helped as much as the fighter who's slashing wildly in the melee.
The problem is, I find it rather boring. :\
Persistent Spells
That's probably what I'll do until I get that Reserve Feat. I can't believe I didn't think about Summoning something >_>. That'd do the trick nicely. It's not a perfect solution because it still 'waste' a spell slot, but at least I'll get to roll some dice every round instead of spending time getting coffee for everyone :\
Thanks a lot for the ideas.
On Reserve Feat
I'm definitely trying to make room for them without screwing my build atm... kinda wish I had thought of that earlier.
you might be able to retrain one of your feats for a reserve feat (just know that you have to have been able to take the new feat at the time that you took the feat you're giving up)
Getting a cheap wand is a very solid idea and one I actually brought up (although it was for a CLW one), but the DM said I'd need to make one myself... that's feat I'm not sure I want to use, not to mention the xp lost, etc...
Just to be clear... Your wizard can't use that wand, because the spell isn't on his spell list.
Personally, I never had a problem with lagging behind the group in level (not too much, mind you). Every exp you spend on craft just makes you as an individual that much more powerful and, once you stop crafting, you will catch up to the rest of the group rather quickly. Plus you'll make up lack of higher power spells with more versatility and staying power.
And, really, if you're specializing in battlefield control (which is the way I do it too usually) rather than direct damage there is a lot you can do with very low level spells that will be every bit as effective as some of the flashier and higher-powered spells (grease and glitterdust, for example).
What I do is use a control spell to inhibit opponents' attacks, then let my allies move in for the kill with melee. If there are a few rounds where it is not strategic to cast a spell, I just use a crossbow. Then when the enemies are mostly dead, I finish them off with magic missiles from a wand.
Personally, I find a few druid spells mixed with sor/wzd spells makes for an even stronger controller.
I might memorize 1 or 2 direct damage spells at high level, just for those times when you're surprised and need to take out an opponent in melee before he kicks your ***.
One more thing...there is no shame in not casting if you are a wzd/sor/whatever when it is not strategic to do so. The fighters are there for a reason. Let them do their job. This is my main beef with the way a lot of people play casters. They take control and monopolize the game, by going "nova", then making the group rest while they regain spells. It stalls the game and makes for much slower progress. Work together with your melee types and treat them well, and they will treat you well. Just a random rant I wandered into, heh.
Chuck a bunch of alchemist fires and tanglefoot bags. Ranged touch attacks rule.
However, they still suffer the -4 penalty for "firing" into melee.
However, they still suffer the -4 penalty for "firing" into melee.
Yes, but it's better than using a bow since it's a ranged touch attack rather than a normal attack. Plus, pick your targets - not everyone will be in melee all the time if there are multiple opponents.
Yes, but it's better than using a bow since it's a ranged touch attack rather than a normal attack.
Indeed. Usually a target's touch AC is a much easier hit than normal AC. I was just pointing out that the penalty still applies, just in case somebody reading didn't know.
Plus, pick your targets - not everyone will be in melee all the time if there are multiple opponents.
This holds true for the bow as well, so it's not (in my opinion) a factor.
What's wrong with knitting sweaters? :P
My sister plays with us. She says that she is not there for the game, she is there for the group. She doesnt RP hardly at all, and will only play straight forward chara's. In our current game she is a warlock. Every turn she jsut shoots her eldrich blast. In between her turns if she is not grading papers, (elementery teacher, working on masters), she is knitting!! seriously!!
So it does happen and not to be ashamed of. hehe
HD
Just to be clear... Your wizard can't use that wand, because the spell isn't on his spell list.
Oh yeah, that was just to illustrate that even low level wands aren't readily available in our setting. I would think a wand of CLW for the rogue (or whoever has UMD) would be one of the most common magical item around.
Especially since our Cleric is a rather heavy melee guy. Fits the concept and the god he worship, but having a beaten up party drag back the knocked out cleric has happened to us a few time.
You shouldn't worry about XP spent crafting. Unless you craft a lot, you won't drop too far behind everyone else.
You know what, you guys are giving me an idea.
If there's no 'magical shop', even in huge capital city and anything like that... maybe I should take crafting feat and open a shop!
I mean, logically, I could overprice stuff like crazy! There's nobody else selling them, so where else are the customers going to go? And hell, the demand for even the most mundane of magical items must be through the roof!
What's XP if I can get a license to make gold?
And if the DM tries to decides to break my monopoly by opening magical shops to compete against me... well, I can close shop, retrain my feat, and we'll finally be able to buy stuff at the shop. That might just be what's needed to 'force' my DM into reading the magic section :evillaugh
Anyway how about hirelings or an NPC that you can control? If it's OOC that you're bored so maybe controlling a slightly weaker extra melee guy that is simple will give you the game participation factor while your wizard lacks during those rounds of combat.
If watching your handy work is too dull for you then take the leadership feat so you have a cohort to work during the rounds when your wizard is knitting. or, as someone else mentioned, cast spells that you can control every round like flaming sphere, telekenisis, summon monster or several of the illusion spells.
Yeah but running a shop would probably be boring as heck, since that's your main complaint- imagine sitting around for hours waiting on a customer
Why? :P I'm not going to run the shop like a 7-11... with the price, time and xp needed to make those item, you only make those that are wanted.
I'd hire a scribe to make a 'catalogue' of the magic item we sell and we'd take orders. People would go on the waiting list and I'd craft the item during down time.
The waiting list is a great idea, since it allow for richer patrons to give extra money/favor to move to the top of the list. One can only assume the shop will mostly have rich and powerful customers, so you essentially get a free invitation to high society.
I'm really digging this idea... :D
I'm really digging this idea... :D
Use your adventuring to your advantage. Advertise that this specific sword was wrested from the dead, clammy hands of an undead king before being enchanted by you, etc.
Also, I'm starting to dig the idea of item crafting as well, I think that will be my next character's forte :D I've always loved the idea of a character that can do almost anything and has items that can do everything else ;).
If watching your handy work is too dull for you then take the leadership feat so you have a cohort to work during the rounds when your wizard is knitting.
My next wizard is going to have craft (textiles) and knit during ALL the encouters! I hereby VOW it!
I'll have a rocking chair figurine of wonderous power that enlarges on command, a Heward's Handy Knitting Sack, a ball of continuous yarn and GO TO TOWN!
Hmm, maybe I should make stats on Yarn Golems....
I can see it now:
My character: "Knit 1..."
DM: Ok, your inititiative.
My character: "One moment, I dropped a stitch...ok, I cast entangle!" (My arcane signature spell version of course!)
I'll have white hair up in a tight bun, and call everyone in the party "Sonny."
Use your adventuring to your advantage. Advertise that this specific sword was wrested from the dead, clammy hands of an undead king before being enchanted by you, etc.
You might need a 'Face' for your business in that case. But that might not be a problem if you've got a fellow party member with a good charisma (Bard, Hexblade, etc) and I doubt the guy won't want to be part of this. Unless he really doesn't like gold.
Also, I'm starting to dig the idea of item crafting as well, I think that will be my next character's forte I've always loved the idea of a character that can do almost anything and has items that can do everything else .
Well, keep in mind it probably won't be as 'good' in a normal setting where magic shop and magical item aren't extremely rare.
My DM seems to think a +1 weapon is very good loot for a level 7 character... I ran the idea of a magic shop by him on MSN, and he's panicking somewhat at the idea that my character will be able to make magical items he sees as 'powerful' already. I think my idea is going to get houseruled out
Summon something?
Certainly buy the wand. You can never have too many cheap, good wands.
Look for spells you get to use round after round. Telekinesis will become your best friend. It keeps those pesky opponents in the hazardous area you just made for them, and it lasts the whole combat.
Not to mention an awesome use for fallen weapons/corpses.
[Consider] using the 1st level spell Animate Rope. It lasts 1 round/level, and it'll let you attempt to entangle one enemy a turn.
This is another vote for Animate Rope. Delay until after the enemy, then entangle him with this. He'll get an AC penalty during everyone else's turn, then he'll either use up a full round action getting out, or keep the penalty for a whole 'nother round.
The other option is grab a reach weapon and then Aid Another. You can choose to give a +2 to an ally's attack, or to his AC. Aid your fighter's iteritive attack, or your rogue's AC.
My preferred solution is to plink away with a Crossbow at that level (my Grey Elf Wizard was 6 Str so it wasn't worth using a longbow) once the combat is under control. Once you gain a few levels you will find that you have more spells to spare (craft some Pearls of Power or buy them) and if they know what they are doing your damage dealers will be finishing things off pretty fast once you cripple them.
Also, look into some spells that last for rounds, instead of burst spells. Steel Dance lasts a round/level, and can deal good damage with the right blades.
Frustrating indeed, if you don't keep it in perspective.
Meatshields are so much happier to serve you, if they feel that they are useful, and that you need them.
Which, well you sort of do to keep the unwashed ikkies and their smelly bodies hitting the meatshields rather than say making grabs for you. Just imagine being touched by one of those things?
Not enough prestigitation in the world to clean off the stink of drow sweat. So while you wait for the most opportune moments to place your spells. Is the ideal time for a bit of cheerleading. To let your meatshields know you're rooting for them, and (pretend) you care for what happens to them etc. and so forth.
See, I prefer to think of time between spells 'meatshield maintainance moments'.
Meatshields are so much happier to serve you, if they feel that they are useful, and that you need them.
Which, well you sort of do to keep the unwashed ikkies and their smelly bodies hitting the meatshields rather than say making grabs for you. Just imagine being touched by one of those things?
So while you wait for the most opportune moments to place your spells. Is the ideal time for a bit of cheerleading. To let your meatshields know you're rooting for them, and (pretend) you care for what happens to them etc. and so forth.
I like how you think!
Perhaps we should do a "Care and Maintenance of Meatshields" thread?
Inquisitive minds want to know.
Waste a spell slot stealing from your allies.
Is that really a good idea? Seems like it would annoy the other players.
Pre-Battle steps
Step 1: Obtain extradimensional storage space.
Step 2: Obtain a very comfortable chair, and place it in said storage space.
Step 3: Prepare Unseen Servant, and make sure that the mixes for your favourite drinks are also in your storage space.
In battle, after you've cast your godlike spells, and your party is winning the encounter:
Remove your chair from storage. Sit in it. Cast Unseen Servant, and have it mix you a drink. Then, Delay. Continue delaying while sipping your drink and generally cheering people on. Have your Unseen Servant fan you as necessary. If something unexpected happens, you have a delayed action, and you have once again saved the party.
My wizard, Evelyn Tarot, has an easy solution for what to do after you've cast your appropriate spells.
Pre-Battle steps
Step 1: Obtain extradimensional storage space.
Step 2: Obtain a very comfortable chair, and place it in said storage space.
Step 3: Prepare Unseen Servant, and make sure that the mixes for your favourite drinks are also in your storage space.
In battle, after you've cast your godlike spells, and your party is winning the encounter:
Remove your chair from storage. Sit in it. Cast Unseen Servant, and have it mix you a drink. Then, Delay. Continue delaying while sipping your drink and generally cheering people on. Have your Unseen Servant fan you as necessary. If something unexpected happens, you have a delayed action, and you have once again saved the party.
That's all very nice, but it's even more effective if you turn opponents into:
A. a lawn chair.
B. a mixed drink.
Occasionally, for the particularly chaotically minded, turn an opponent into a cream pie and then hit ANOTHER opponent with it.
For even more offensive possibilities, turn one monster into a flask of alchemist's fire then set him off. hehe
Occasionally, for the particularly chaotically minded, turn an opponent into a cream pie and then hit ANOTHER opponent with it.
While casting Tasha Hideous' Laughter?
Another neat thing to use are spellguard rings. They don't effectively grant you new actions to do in combat, but when for instance you need to cast an AoE spell and the fighter is in the way, you can always activate that ring and cast it regardless.
Another nice one is the "Wand of Flame Blade (PH 231 for spell, 4,500gp) Flaming Scimitar in your hands uses melee touch attacks when you attack. The poor man's lightsaber." You can engage in melee if you're daring enough, although I don't necessarily recommend that :p
You can also buy a bunch of Quaal's feather tokens and spawn some trees every now and then.
Then there are always the non-magical bargains: eggshell grenade (same effect as glitterdust, only you don't spend a spellslot and it's nice to throw at those who may have resisted glitterdust or weren't in range.)
Anyway a lot of mundane items are nice to use as well. (I found this site for alchemical items: http://adamsouza.tripod.com/alchemy.html )
But if you use the "aid another" action (needing only a DC10 combat attack to succeed), you also give your ally a +2 bonus. Use a reach weapon if possible for your aid another action.
Sure, he doesn't get any help on damage from that, but it may be more effective than shooting into combat.
Cheers, --- Wheldrake
Or, possibly, use some of the alternate familiar stuff from CWar and such to get a familiar that can contribute in combat.
2. Fire a crossbow, sure it's gonna suck but whatever you don't need to cast anything right now otherwise you would be.
3. Reserve feats, useful for this exact situtation.
4. Have a stash of wands, scrolls, staves, alchemical items etc ready to use. Could get expensive.
5. Class features from PrCing out at later levels. I'm sure you could find a class that'll give you something to do each round.
Once you've cast your important spells that's your role done for the combat, you really don't need to cast spells each round.