Lvl 3 Arcane Caster in a Faerūn Campaign

[Suzerain]

Hi all,

all of a sudden, I now have a d&d gaming group. Yay me. This doesn't mean I'm in a rush to create a character, but I want to pick your brains so I can come up with something awesome.

The rules:

Starting level 3, Wealth 3000gp. LA+1 races start with 2 class levels, LA2+ (LA+2 and higher)  start with 1 class level (or did he mean HD?) no matter what. Pointbuy is 32. No flaws.

Alignment: Non-evil. I'll try my best convincing him that lawful evil is the alignment of a team-player, though.

Books: Core, Splat and FR material. No Dragonlance, slight chance Eberron stuff may be allowed. Dragon stuff is unlikely to be allowed. Psionics is explicitly in.

Races: DM has signaled he doesn't want aberrations (anything non-humanoid-looking, or anything that has tentacles or eye stalks). Elans are okay.
Also, no dragons or undead (I expect dragonborn to be allowed, though).


I'm looking for some kind of arcane spellcaster (mostly because everyone else plays non-casters and I'd rather not play a cleric).

As you can see, this is a low-level campaign. A fellow player told me that in the groups the DM and her have played in, they did level quite frequently (she said every session), so I dunno what to make of that. It'll be a bi-weekly game though, and I don't have much confidence we'll progress past lvl7. That is, I'd rather have power now than later. That is, I don't want to spend feats on prereqs. I'd rather have the build solid up to 5th level. If he's behind the powercurve by then, by gods and rights he should perish.

My go-to class for arcanists is of course the Wizard, so here's a preliminary build for that idea (again, starting level is 3, not 5):

PB32: Str 10, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 8

Human Focused Specialist Conjurer 5 (banning Evocation, Necromancy and Enchantment)
H: Cloudy Conjuration or Collegiate Wizard or Otherworldly or ...
1: Spell Mastery, [Improved Initiative], [Abrupt Jaunt]
3: Uncanny Forethought
5: [Spontaneous Divination]

Uncanny Forethought means 4 spells a day I may spontaneously cast (lvl2 spells will take a full-round action to resolve though). Not sure it's worth it at this level, so suggest away. Spell Mastery is a prereq.
Collegiate Wizard might be useful because I don't know anything about spell availability yet.
Cloudy Conjuration is nice, but does it really do much? Does -2 to most checks/rolls for one round matter?


I'm also thinking of changing race; since I expect everything from FR will be seen through rose-colored glasses, planetouched (lesser versions too) will be game. I'm thinking Mechanatrix for +int +con and infinite healing. Considering Wisplings also (would definitely improve the PB), but I don't like sub-30ft movement...


I've also thought about using Divine Minion (Anhur) to turn into a lion with a free action. Why? Because it's LA+1 and because I candying to play a binder for some time... Warlock or some other cha-focused class would be an option too. Cleric is always a good dip, but what domains would synergize with the concept?

Any suggestions welcome.[/spoiler]

[zook1shoe]

Dump the human, strongheart halflings are better!

Look at the lesser air genasi and lesser tiefling for an int boost (lesser fire genasi suck)


As for class stuff... I always look for a great PrC and then go towards that.

[Suzerain]

Dump the human, strongheart halflings are better!

Probably, I just hate having 20ft movement.

As for class stuff... I always look for a great PrC and then go towards that.

I realize I should've included this in the OP, but... that's what I'm trying not to do. No skills/feats wasted on prereqs. If there comes a level after level 5, I'll figure out a way to 'retrain' the character, if necessary.

[DrPhro]

Totemists are pretty good at low lvls, and there's great rp synergy with your lion. Then maybe dip into barbarian.

I can't recommend anything for your caster that would be too good at lower lvls except for the usual dragon shenanigans.
That and cleric archers, I know you said not cleric, but self buffing is fun.
There's also shadowcraft mage to bump into after beguiler, but that's a prestige class and you definitely would be able to start with it.

[Tethlis]

Pyromaniac (by LiamDeclan): [spoiler]
Human
Battle Sorceror 1
Total ECL: 1

(32 pts buy)

Suggested stats:
STR: 16
DEX: 16
CON: 14
INT: 8
WIS: 8
CHA: 14

free points left: 0

Flaws: Inattentive and Murky Eyed

Feats:
H. Bloodline of Fire
1. Precocious Apprentice: Combust
Flaw1. Elemental Spellcasting Fire
Flaw2. Spell Thematics (Ray of Flame & Combust)

HP: 11
AC: 15 (leather armor)
F: +2, R: +3, W: +1
Melee attack: Longspear: +3, 1d8+2
Ranged Attack: Longbow: +3, 1d8

Spelltouched Evocations (Unearthed Arcana): casts evocations at +1 caster level all other schools at -1 caster level.

Skills of Note: Concentration +7
Spells per day: 4/2/1
Spells Known: 3/1/1
Level 0 Spells: Launch Item, Caltrops
Level 1 Spell: Ray of Flame
Level 2 Spell: Combust

Precocious Apprentice needs a DC8 caster level check in order for success.
This shouldn't be any problem for this character who can cast Combust at +5 caster level with feats & 1 trait. So if I manage to hit you with a melee touch attack and I make my DC8 caster level check then I get to inflict 6d8 fire damage, no save and make a DC15 reflex to avoid catching on fire. I can also cast Ray of Flame as a 6th level character doing 4d6 damage, no save and make a DC15 reflex save to avoid catching on fire.

What do you Need for this build? [spoiler]

• Player's Handbook
  
• Unearthed Arcana:
  
• 
  
• Complete Arcane:
  

[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]

from this thread http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=1444.0

[zook1shoe]

Probably, I just hate having 20ft movement.

understandable, maybe look at the planetouched?

I realize I should've included this in the OP, but... that's what I'm trying not to do. No skills/feats wasted on prereqs. If there comes a level after level 5, I'll figure out a way to 'retrain' the character, if necessary.

i see   well then, instead find some fun spells and get the Spell Thematics feat (Player's Guide to Faerun) can give some amazing flavor to your spells

[CantripN]

Lesser Mechanatrix sounds rather nice as a race. +2 INT, +2 CON, Electricity Healing... Yeah, I like that!

I say plan for something with Born of Three Thunders and head for Stormcaster.

Another cool idea:
Wizard 10

ACFs and Feats:
Wizard 1 - Drow Wizard (Chaos/Evil/Compulsion/Darkness/Fear - lose Evocation)
1 - Spell Mastery
3 - Uncanny Forethought
Wizard 5 - Domain Granted Power (Spirit) OR Spontaneous Divination OR DGP (Chaos) OR Spell Mastery (and retrain 1st level's SM and UF to other levels later...)
6 - Cloak of the Obyrith
9 - Chaotic Spell Recall
Wizard 10 - Planar Spellcasting
12 - Precognitive Vision
15 - Demonic Skin
Wizard 14 - Enhanced Magic
Wizard 15 -
18 -

[CantripN]

That said, especially at low levels, an Enchanter or Beguiler KICKS ASS.
Take a look at the Enchantment adaptation for the Nightmare Spinner (CM 77) and the Enchanter Handbook.

[Rejakor]

I dunno how much usage you'd get out of binder as a ghost - I guess it depends on what you were going to use it for.  Me, I tend to build like a melee type, and then use my vestiges for everything else other than that, at least when i'm not going anima mage, but I play oddly.

I always thought the point of ghost was using your telekinesis to hurl 'lol' amounts of things at people at lower level than that is normally possible.


Your wizard build looks fine.  I wouldn't waste a feat on collegiate wizard, FR is filled with mages.  To the bursting.  Unless you're locked in a tomb or something for levels at a time.  So yeah.. mileage, may vary.  But you're starting at level 3, so just spend most of your starting wealth on your spellbook, stock up on spells for the next few levels.

If you're going Evoker, there's very little that beats bloodline of fire + fiery burst + elemental spellcasting (fire) at low levels.  7d8 Combusts are just so fun when no-one expects them, and 5d4 Burning Hands ain't bad either.  5d4+5 if you take Fiery Spell.  But yeah, nah.

Just go conjurer and have fun playing the character.  As long as you're semi-intelligent with how you prepare and use your spells, you kind of can't go wrong.  Oh, and are semi-intelligent with what you do outside of spellcasting as well.

[Wings of Peace]

Take the regional feat Magical Training for sorcerer casting and use it to qualify for Versatile Spellcaster as a Wizard.

[ninjarabbit]

Are you allowed to use dragonborn even though dragons are prohibited? If not just ignore the dragonborn part of my suggestion.

Dragonborn grey elf (or the FR elf that give +2 int) elven generalist wizard5/mindbender1

1-otherworldly
3-sculpt spell
5-spontaneous divinataion
6-mindsight

Since elf generalist wizards get extra spells in their spellbook each level you don't need collegate wizard. See if your DM will allow a hummingbird familar so you can get +8 initative since elf generalist doubles familar bonuses. If no

[Shiki]

See if your DM will allow a hummingbird familar so you can get +8 initative since elf generalist doubles familar bonuses.

Doesn't get doubled by Natural Link.

[...]The bonus on skill checks, saves, or hit points granted by the familiar doubles.[...]

Would be awesome though.

[Takanaki]

If you're in Faerun and you're wanting to be a spellcaster... why aren't you a Hathran, and why aren't you getting an Acorn of Far Travel so you can cast spontaneously?

All hail the Rasheman craziness.

[Suzerain]

Totemists are pretty good at low lvls, and there's great rp synergy with your lion. Then maybe dip into barbarian.

I'll keep it in mind for the Divine Minion build, thanks.


@Tethlis: Evocation-focused caster? It does sound.. entertaining. Although this would just lead the group to value DD more than they should. And I'm especially nervous about the energy type. But yeah, I'm considering it (I was considering the Precocious Apprentice + Reserve feats build when I was still under the impression starting level would be 1).

I say plan for something with Born of Three Thunders and head for Stormcaster.

Born of the Three Thunders makes me dazed, though. Can't take dragonmarks. I don't know how I'm going to make the DC10+CL+ability mod will save of Quick Recovery.. unless I can prepare a contingency, I don't really know how to make it work (said contingency could be an intelligent item with dimension door, though). Might work with the Diamond Mind counter for will saves, though.

Another cool idea:
Wizard 10

ACFs and Feats:
Wizard 1 - Drow Wizard (Chaos/Evil/Compulsion/Darkness/Fear - lose Evocation)
1 - Spell Mastery
3 - Uncanny Forethought
Wizard 5 - Domain Granted Power (Spirit) OR Spontaneous Divination OR DGP (Chaos) OR Spell Mastery (and retrain 1st level's SM and UF to other levels later...)
6 - Cloak of the Obyrith
9 - Chaotic Spell Recall
Wizard 10 - Planar Spellcasting
12 - Precognitive Vision
15 - Demonic Skin
Wizard 14 - Enhanced Magic
Wizard 15 -
18 -

I like this. I will keep this for later. DM just clarified it'll be a non-evil game. 'Abyssal Specialist' doesn't require one to be drow of race, right? Maybe I could sell this as chaotic-something.

That said, especially at low levels, an Enchanter or Beguiler KICKS ASS.
Take a look at the Enchantment adaptation for the Nightmare Spinner (CM 77) and the Enchanter Handbook.

I will throw together a build using the silverbrow human combo. It will kick ass. I will also add the Nightmare Spinner adaption to my list of "Questions for the DM", but it requires work and I'm not at all sure he'll allow anything I homebrew.
The only question that arises is what to do with Plants, Undead, Oozes and (to a lesser extent) Constructs. And other things immune to [mind-affecting]. In case I go enchanter, I'd still have the usual wizard staples, though...


@Rejakor: Good advice. DM just threw ghost out of the window. Evoker's... an option, as stated above.

Take the regional feat Magical Training for sorcerer casting and use it to qualify for Versatile Spellcaster as a Wizard.

I'd only consider this for early entry. Versatile Spellcaster is not great if you're low on spell slots.

Are you allowed to use dragonborn even though dragons are prohibited? If not just ignore the dragonborn part of my suggestion.

Dragonborn grey elf (or the FR elf that give +2 int) elven generalist wizard5/mindbender1

1-otherworldly
3-sculpt spell
5-spontaneous divinataion
6-mindsight

Since elf generalist wizards get extra spells in their spellbook each level you don't need collegate wizard. See if your DM will allow a hummingbird familar so you can get +8 initative since elf generalist doubles familar bonuses. If no

I've thought of using elven generalist + humming bird familiar, but the latter is Dragon material. If he wants me to get rid of Abrupt Jaunt though, I will suggest it to him. Mindbender is an excellent dip I hadn't thought of. It will probably be my 6th level, thanks! Dragonborn is probably okay.



Thanks for the input so far. I hope I didn't miss anyone. Will update the OP with new races information. For brevity, this is the new information:

Alignment: Non-evil
Race: Elans are okay, Undead and "real" Dragons prohibited, everything that has tentacles is out (I guess it should be humanoid-looking).

[Bester]

I like a divine metamagic abusing cloistered cleric lesser aasimar with heritage feats.  Flying at 3rd level is just fun, as is telling everybody you meet that you are a celestial.  Of course this requires flaws to get the divine metacheese off the ground and not just the character.

[Suzerain]

If you're in Faerun and you're wanting to be a spellcaster... why aren't you a Hathran, and why aren't you getting an Acorn of Far Travel so you can cast spontaneously?

All hail the Rasheman craziness.

Several reasons. First, Hathran is ECL8. Take that in for a moment. I don't even think we're going to hit that level. Second, I can't cast AoFT. Nor anyone in my party. If I got it as an item maybe that'd be feasible. Third, the spell stinks. Not only of cheese. Has to be renewed every x days => have to travel back every x days, etc. And then there's also RP reasons.

I like a divine metamagic abusing cloistered cleric lesser aasimar with heritage feats.  Flying at 3rd level is just fun, as is telling everybody you meet that you are a celestial.  Of course this requires flaws to get the divine metacheese off the ground and not just the character.

I tried DMM(Persist) in the lvl 1-6 range (without flaws). Didn't like it.

[Rejakor]

I think you're good to go, barring specific questions.

From what you're saying, you enjoy playing BC style 'just as planned' wizards, and you're planning to play one.

At low level you don't really need to worry about feats or items anywhere near as much, and you'll have plenty of time to research higher level stuff if the game moves as slowly as you expect it to.

Just have some fun with it.

Oh, and Elven Generalist, now that's a good idea.  Unless you're going double focused changeling recaster, elven generalist is just nice.

I especially like it because I hate giving up good spells, and there's at least a few in every school.

[Endarire]

How'zbout Human Conjurer5/MalconvokerX?  Debatably no wasted feat prereqs.

[Rejakor]

malconvoker starts REALLY coming online at like 15th, right?  Bleh, this game isn't going to last to 6.

[Endarire]

Malconvoker comes on its own at level 10.