Efficient Focused-Specialist Level Cap

[ninjarabbit]

Another issue with evocation is that all of its spells are easily mimiced by the shadow evocation chain of spells. Conjuration doesn't have this issue since the shadow conjuration line of spells are limited to summoning and creation.

[Feyd]

Another issue with evocation is that all of its spells are easily mimiced by the shadow evocation chain of spells. Conjuration doesn't have this issue since the shadow conjuration line of spells are limited to summoning and creation.

I think we have to recognize a difference between casting Wall of Force as a 5th level spell - working every time with no save, and casting a quasi-wall of force as a higher level spell - % chance it works, and a will save to walk through it like it wasn't there.

Shadowcraft Mage can make it much closer, but they will always get a saving throw to walk through your wall of force...

[Kuroimaken]

Another issue with evocation is that all of its spells are easily mimiced by the shadow evocation chain of spells. Conjuration doesn't have this issue since the shadow conjuration line of spells are limited to summoning and creation.

I think we have to recognize a difference between casting Wall of Force as a 5th level spell - working every time with no save, and casting a quasi-wall of force as a higher level spell - % chance it works, and a will save to walk through it like it wasn't there.

Shadowcraft Mage can make it much closer, but they will always get a saving throw to walk through your wall of force...

IF they know you're an illusionist, and IF they have reason to believe the Wall of Force isn't there...

This typically involves a Spellcraft check, or detect magic, or True Seeing. Therefore, it's only a problem if you're facing casters, in which case you should have already cast an invisible Obscuring Mist. 

[Negative Zero]

Well, technically, they won't know the wall of force is there until they interact with it. Invisible, remember?

[Treantmonklvl20]

IF they know you're an illusionist, and IF they have reason to believe the Wall of Force isn't there...

This typically involves a Spellcraft check, or detect magic, or True Seeing. Therefore, it's only a problem if you're facing casters, in which case you should have already cast an invisible Obscuring Mist. 

I think you are thinking of Silent Image - which is indeed a spectacular spell.

Shadow spells aren't figments - they are quasi-real, and always provide a saving throw - even if the spell they are emulating doesn't.

Also note that Shadowcraft Mages can increase the "reality" % - but not until mid levels.  Furthermore, you need a DM that allows the heightened spell trick (which not all do) if you hope to get 100% reality (and even then there is still a saving throw)

Shadow spells are great spells - but generally they are not as good as the spell they are pretending to be (their strength is in versatility)