What to do with 5th lvl Spell Slots

[kevin_video]

I'm playing as Mystic Ranger (ranger variant). The main difference with this one is it's a full caster that has 0-5th level spells, one less favored enemy, no martial melee weapon proficiency, and no animal companion. Everything else is pretty much the same, just that you get them at different levels. It's pretty cool except the 5th levels spells are rather blah. It's like only having the core book to look at for spells. I'm sure you all know how much that would suck. What do I get? Cure Critical Wounds, Awaken, Baleful Polymorph, Control Winds, Summon Nature's Ally V, and Wall of Thorns. At 20th level I'll have 4 spells plus WIS modifier (+5 for one more). Well, I can't see five spells that I want to have everyday. Can anyone here see what would be good to take once I get them?

My original plan was to take levels in Wizard, and take Order of the Arcane Sword (yes I know I don't HAVE to take a level in Wizard NORMALLY to take that feat), and then learn Wizard spells in my Mystic Ranger spell slots, but the DM totally blew that idea out of the water by saying "no", and then explaining why he said no. I wanted to take True Strike and have it quickened for a 5th level spell slot. I'll most likely do that with Hunter's Mercy now so I can do a possible critical attack as a swift action.

Anyone know how I can learn more spells, and use them in my empty spell slots?

[Endarire]

SNA V is helpful for out of combat healing or if you need a bunch of minions in a pinch.  Beside that, multiclass for more useful abilities or spells.

[kevin_video]

Can't say I follow you with the "out of combat healing" with SNA V.
I've already multiclassed more than I'd care to do. Maybe manifester, but that's it. I had thought about Wizard/Abjurant Champion (which was brought to my attention a number of times by people), but I'd rather not give the DM a chance to nerf me more by taking out my spell book or familiar. It's kind of why we have a sorcerer with the familiar substitution from PHBII.

[Sinfire Titan]

Can't say I follow you with the "out of combat healing" with SNA V.
I've already multiclassed more than I'd care to do. Maybe manifester, but that's it. I had thought about Wizard/Abjurant Champion (which was brought to my attention a number of times by people), but I'd rather not give the DM a chance to nerf me more by taking out my spell book or familiar. It's kind of why we have a sorcerer with the familiar substitution from PHBII.

Unicorns are on the level 4 version's list. The 5th level version can summon 1d3 of them. They have Cure Light Wounds 3/day and Cure Moderate 1/day. One 5th level spell slot effectively gives you Magic Circle Against Evil, 3 Cure Lights, 1 Cure Moderate, and 1 Neutralize Poison. And 40 HP worth of meat shield.

Again, your DM is a dick. Just saying.

[kevin_video]

That's really very interesting. I hadn't even noticed that. Wow, I'm observant. That'll definitely come in handy, both in and out of combat since we've been getting our butts handed to us royally lately. That Magic Circle Against Evil is just on itself, right? Can't be placed on anyone else. Although, so long as you're within so many feet you can share it.

I know, I know. I've vocalized some stuff to him, and he knows I was a tad upset when I didn't see things from his point, but he told me to trust him, so I'll sit and fume inwardly in hopes that my trust isn't misplaced. Meanwhile that vein popping out of my forehead's getting bigger.

[Sinfire Titan]

That's really very interesting. I hadn't even noticed that. Wow, I'm observant. That'll definitely come in handy, both in and out of combat since we've been getting our butts handed to us royally lately. That Magic Circle Against Evil is just on itself, right? Can't be placed on anyone else. Although, so long as you're within so many feet you can share it.

I know, I know. I've vocalized some stuff to him, and he knows I was a tad upset when I didn't see things from his point, but he told me to trust him, so I'll sit and fume inwardly in hopes that my trust isn't misplaced. Meanwhile that vein popping out of my forehead's getting bigger.

The Magic Circle is centered on it. As soon as it is summoned, the effect goes up and all evil in the radius needs to save or be pushed back. As long as you're in the radius and non-Evil, you get the benefits of the Circle.

You're gonna either have an aneurysm or a horn shaped from your blood clotting in that vein.

[GawainBS]

I'm not a big fan of it, but Extra Spell from CArc might help you out. It doesn't allow you to pick a 5th lvl spell, but a 4th lvl that you could put in those slots. As far as I read the feat, it doesn't restrict you to a specific list even. Maybe you can get a 4th lvl Druid spell via that feat?

[kevin_video]

I'm not a big fan of it, but Extra Spell from CArc might help you out. It doesn't allow you to pick a 5th lvl spell, but a 4th lvl that you could put in those slots. As far as I read the feat, it doesn't restrict you to a specific list even. Maybe you can get a 4th lvl Druid spell via that feat?

Knowing my DM he'd just say that the extra spell slot works only for the spellcaster that you already are, and I'd just get extra Ranger spells.

[PhaedrusXY]

I'm not a big fan of it, but Extra Spell from CArc might help you out. It doesn't allow you to pick a 5th lvl spell, but a 4th lvl that you could put in those slots. As far as I read the feat, it doesn't restrict you to a specific list even. Maybe you can get a 4th lvl Druid spell via that feat?

Knowing my DM he'd just say that the extra spell slot works only for the spellcaster that you already are, and I'd just get extra Ranger spells.

That's the "official" interpretation by WotC, actually. (Although I think it shouldn't be... The psionic equivalent lets you pick from other lists.)

[kevin_video]

That's the "official" interpretation by WotC, actually. (Although I think it shouldn't be... The psionic equivalent lets you pick from other lists.)

That's what I wondered. I too would have interpreted it that way. The psionic versions are always better for some reason.

[PhaedrusXY]

The Magic Circle is centered on it. As soon as it is summoned, the effect goes up and all evil in the radius needs to save or be pushed back. As long as you're in the radius and non-Evil, you get the benefits of the Circle.

What do you mean "pushed back"? It's not like Magic Circle hedges all evil creatures out. That only works against summoned evil creatures (any non-good summoned creatures, actually), and even then, I think if you create the effect after they are in place, it won't push them out of it. (Wouldn't that count as forcing it on them?)

The psionic versions are always better for some reason.

Uhh... I beg to differ. In most cases the arcane equivalents for things are better than the psionic ones. The ones where psionics are better are the exceptions.