DnD Assistance

[Jon Miller]

OK

so the other thread got off-topic, and was about something else anyways

so now I am playing, I can post sort of what has occured

but anyways, I am leveling up

I would like to be an Incantrix (sort of a specialist Abjurer), but I need to find someone who can teach me to be one (So while I have the level and other requirements for it right now, I am not one right now)

so right now I am a standard wizard

my familiar is a Toad

I am 5 level (but have gained the XP to reach 6th level)

I have 22 HP, feats are Iron Will, Combat Casting, Widen Spell

I am a Sun Elf

Int is 21, Dex is 14, Wis is 8, Con is 10, Str is 8, Cha is 12

I have a lot of spells of the first 3 levels including but not limited to:
hold portal
identify
magic missile
color spray
spider climb
obscure object
resist elements
summon monster 2
blur
cat's grace
dispel magic
explosive runes
arcane sight
fireball
lightning bolt
haste

and I think some more that I am not remembering right now (might also have got one wrong)

so basically I need suggestions about
feats to get (I need two, one meta magic, one general)
spells to get (I think I need two)
prohibited schools to take (I need two, I can cast what spells in them that I already know)

Jon Miller

[Urban Ranger]

I don't think you need any item creation feats. There's one that allows you to cast spells right away, that should be a good one. For the general one, Lightning Reflex (the one that gives you +4 initiative) is good.

[Jamski]

Yeah, but "Faster spell" (don't know the english name) casts as if 3 levels higher. That's crappy when you can only cast 3rd level spells

For the general one, I'd take "Weapon Finesse", as this equals a +3 to hit for you in melee (not to bad) or perhaps improve your bow skills (above the Sun Elf basic proficiancy) I always think a low level wizard needs a "back-up-plan"

Or : the best of all back-up-plans take "Craft Wand" and craft a wand of magic missiles and a wand of "Fireball" and never run out again. Wants are pretty cheap to craft too.

As for spells... "Bull's Strength" (level 2) is brilliant, and you are lacking an immobilising spell such as "web" or "hold person".

-Jam

[Grumbold]

I tend to go for feats that improve your chances of landing your spells on opponents (spell focus/ spell penetration.) I tend to prefer incapacitating my opponents rather than nuking them so anything that lowers their chance to resist is a must.

Being prohibited from two schools is pretty harsh. I think you need to look carefully at the manuals and decide for yourself which higher level spells you never ever want. I have a hard enough time choosing one school, but perhaps divination wouldn't be so bad to lose if you already have detect magic, identify and the other low level utility spells.

[Urban Ranger]

Probably cheaper to buy a wand of magic missiles. Weapon Finesse isn't bad but the plan is not to get into melee.

[Jon Miller]

you can't choose divination as your prohibited school (it is too weak)

I don't want to pick weapon finess because it and eschew materials were given to all characters at first level

bull's strength is a good idea if I don't already have it

I am actually semi considering evocation (As a prohibited school), I mean I have a lot of the standards (magic missile, fireball, lightning bolt) already....

a reminder http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35

and a completer list of spells http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20010713a

JM

[Jon Miller]

I mean

things like Shadow Evocation might make Evocation no longer as useful?

JM

[Jon Miller]

basically there is another save (Will) for the Shadow Evocation and Shadow Conjuration spells

and damage and the like is multiplied by .2 or .6 if the save is made

(Otherwise full)

JM

[Jamski]

Then definitely craft wand. The costs are miniscule (considering the number of charges is normally 50, IIRC) and the rewards are great. Basically, you NEVER run out of combat spells, in exchange for dumping perhaps 3-5% of the EXP you gain (depending how often you have to craft new wands) Besides - what else is there for a Wizard to spend money on? Platemail?

Heighten Spell is good - basically it allows you to cast a spell as if it was a higher level. Nice if you needed one more level (x) slot, and you had a spare slot in (x+1)

Extend Spell is REALLY good. Double duration of Haste, Bull's Strength, Mirror Image, Prot from Whatever, Summon Whatever... even double duration on good old Melf's Acid Arrow is good. (Especially vs trolls, which I imgaine are getting to be about the right level for your party.)

Regarding your spell selection : you're lacking a cold damage spell and an acid damage one. And they can be needed.

-Jam

[Jon Miller]

I think that I might have lesser Cold Orb

and maybe an acid spell too

JM

[Jamski]

Ok, crafting costs (to convince you its a good deal)

A 5th-level wand of fireballs.

Standard SHOP VALUE = 5 (caster level) x 3 (spell level) x 750 = 11250. gp

This would cost you 50% of that to make = 5625 gp
And also 4% of the value in EXP = 450

Not a bad deal for a wand that let's you cast FIFTY fireballs.

And yes, you may think its a lot of money and EXP, but you can craft two, and sell one to make the money back And you can EASILY get 450 EXP back if you have 50 fireballs-on-a-stick. Wands are sweet.

-Jam

[Jon Miller]

any suggested general feats?

JM

[Jon Miller]

if I am correct I can pick up item creation or metamagic feats for the metamagic pick (this is for the Incantrix bonus feat)

but cannot choose one for the general feat

so what general feat should I pick? I am thinking skill focus: spellcraft or dodge

JM

[Jamski]

Improved Initiative is a MUST HAVE - how did I forget that?

Fireball them ALL before they can even react Its good to have the first move in any round.

-Jam

[Jon Miller]

so right now I am thinking

5 Wizard
10 Incantrix
3 archmage (mastery of elements, mastery of shaping, mastery of counterspelling)
2 bladesinger (not real sure about this)
than epic Incantrix and Elven High Mage

Jon Miller