Ask a Simple Question: Singing Tesla Coil Edition

[weenog]

Q227:  What level spell slot would Venomfire (3rd level) take up if it was modified with Energy Substitution (slot +0), Energy Admixture (slot +4), and was the caster's Arcane Thesis spell?

[fuinjutsu]

Q227:  What level spell slot would Venomfire (3rd level) take up if it was modified with Energy Substitution (slot +0), Energy Admixture (slot +4), and was the caster's Arcane Thesis spell?

5th, but I don't think venomfire is a valid target for Energy Sub.

[weenog]

Q227:  What level spell slot would Venomfire (3rd level) take up if it was modified with Energy Substitution (slot +0), Energy Admixture (slot +4), and was the caster's Arcane Thesis spell?

5th, but I don't think venomfire is a valid target for Energy Sub.

Energy Sub just wants the target spell to have an energy descriptor.  Venomfire is Transmutation [Acid].  Normally the spell wouldn't be a valid target for Arcane Thesis, but I'm mulling over adding it to the wizard spell list making it arcane in the process.

[Endarire]

A227
By the latest errata, an Energy Admixtured Energy Substituted venomfire is level 5 (3 base + 4 Energy Admixture - 1 Arcane Thesis + 0 Energy Substitution - 1 Arcane Thesis).

[The_Mad_Linguist]

Q227:  What level spell slot would Venomfire (3rd level) take up if it was modified with Energy Substitution (slot +0), Energy Admixture (slot +4), and was the caster's Arcane Thesis spell?

5th, but I don't think venomfire is a valid target for Energy Sub.

Energy Sub just wants the target spell to have an energy descriptor.  Venomfire is Transmutation [Acid].  Normally the spell wouldn't be a valid target for Arcane Thesis, but I'm mulling over adding it to the wizard spell list making it arcane in the process.

Or soverign archetype it over?

[Lobo6717]

Q228  If I took the feat "Mage Slayer" and even it's subsequent feats that drop my caster level, then I took the 5th level of Abjurant Champion, would it negate the caster level loss from the Mage Slayer feats?

At 5th level, you master the art of combining your militant and mystical training. From this point on, your caster level in a chosen arcane spellcasting class is equal to your base attack bonus (unless it would otherwise be higher)

[Generic_PC]

Q226: Other than the PHB, where can I find familiars available from level 1 (as a Sorcerer class feature)?

[geniussavant]

A226 there are some in sandstorm, frostburn, and dungeonscape, but I'm afb at the moment, so I might be wrong....

[McPoyo]

A226 there are some in sandstorm, frostburn, and dungeonscape, but I'm afb at the moment, so I might be wrong....

There's also forgotten realms, and eberron ones, in the respective campaign setting books. I also believe Serpent Kingdoms, and Underdark have more as well. It's a pretty large set. You're best off just flipping through every book.

[Agita]

A226 there are some in sandstorm, frostburn, and dungeonscape, but I'm afb at the moment, so I might be wrong....

There's also forgotten realms, and eberron ones, in the respective campaign setting books. I also believe Serpent Kingdoms, and Underdark have more as well. It's a pretty large set. You're best off just flipping through every book.

At least one Dragon mag has some as well, notably the (in)famous hummingbird.

[Beltendu]

Q228  If I took the feat "Mage Slayer" and even it's subsequent feats that drop my caster level, then I took the 5th level of Abjurant Champion, would it negate the caster level loss from the Mage Slayer feats?

At 5th level, you master the art of combining your militant and mystical training. From this point on, your caster level in a chosen arcane spellcasting class is equal to your base attack bonus (unless it would otherwise be higher)

I'm AFB, so I'm doing this from memory.  You'll want to confirm this with the real material.

Generally, you can apply caster level modifications in what ever order you like (generally, the most beneficial).  Therefore, I suppose you could apply Mage Slayer and the others first, then apply Abjurant Champion 5.  You will of course want to check with your DM, since I could see a DM ruling differently.

Of course, AC5 only affects your caster level for the purposes of determining spell effects - it doesn't grant access to higher level spells.  I don't remember for sure, but I think Mage Slayer (et al) impact your available spells as well.  I could be wrong though.  If someone could check me on that, that'd be great ...

[The_Mad_Linguist]

Q226: Other than the PHB, where can I find familiars available from level 1 (as a Sorcerer class feature)?

Not complete, but...
[spoiler]
Table A - Basic Familiars
Format: Creature Name - Source, Bonus granted to master.

* Albatross - Stormwrack, +1 Spot
* Bat - Player's Handbook, +3 Listen
* Cat - Player's Handbook, +3 Move Silently
* Eel - Stormwrack, +3 Escape Artist
* Fish Owl - Stormwrack, +3 Spot in Shadows
* Hawk - Player's Handbook, +3 Spot
* Ibis - Races of Faerun, +3 Spot
* Lizard - Player's Handbook, +3 Climb
* Monkey - Custom, +3 Balance
* Octopus - Stormwrack, +3 Grapple Checks
* Owl - Player's Handbook, +3 Spot
* Parrot - Stormwrack, +3 Appraise
* Rat - Player's Handbook, +2 Fortitude
* Raven - Player's Handbook, +3 Appraise
* Rock Rat - Custom, +3 Sleight of Hand
* Sea Snake - Stormwrack, +3 Bluff
* Snake - Player's Handbook, +3 Bluff
* Spider, Hairy - Monsters of Faerun, No Benefit
* Tereep - Custom, +4 Initiative
* Toad - Player's Handbook, +3 hit points
* Treecat - Custom, +3 Climb
* Weasel - Player's Handbook, +2 Reflex

Notes: All base familiars are of Tiny size (except for the Hairy Spider, which is Fine). All base familiars are of True Neutral alignment, making them viable choices for any spellcaster.


Table B - Improved Familiars, CL 3rd
Sourcebook

All of the following familiars require both the Improved Familiar feat and a caster level of at least 3rd to summon. Like the basic familiars, these familiars continue to grant statistical bonuses to their masters while within 1 mile. Unlike the basic familiars, the alignments, sizes, Intelligence, and types of these creatures can vary. Some of these familiars also have additional requirements; these are noted in the listing below.



Format: Creature name - Source, Size, Alignment, Bonus granted to master, (Additional requirements, if any).

* Flying Snake - Races of Faerun, Small, AL TN, +2 saves vs. Acid spells/effects
* Krenshar - Monster Manual, Medium, AL TN, +3 Intimidate, (Base Atk Bonus +3)
* Lynx - Races of Faerun, Small, AL TN, +3 Move Silently
* Lizard, Spitting Crawler - Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, Tiny, AL TN, +3 Hide
* Tressym - Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, Tiny, AL CG, +2 saves vs. Poison
* Watchspider - City of Splendors: Waterdeep, Medium, AL TN, +3 Climb
* Warg - Monster Manual, Medium, AL NE, +1 natural armor, (Base Atk Bonus +3)

Table C - Improved Familiars, CL 5th
Sourcebook

All of the following familiars require both the Improved Familiar feat and a caster level of at least 5th to summon. Unlike the basic familiars and the Improved Familiars at CL 3rd, the familiars listed below--as well as those requiring an even higher caster level--do not grant any additional benefits to their master (except for Alertness). The alignments, sizes, Intelligence, and types of these creatures can vary. Some of these familiars also have additional requirements; these are noted in the listing below.



Format: Creature name - Source, Size, Alignment, (Additional requirements, if any).

* Blink Dog - Monster Manual, Medium, AL LG, (Good alignment, Base Atk Bonus +5)
* Elemental, Small - Monster Manual, Small, AL TN
* Eyeball Beholderkin - Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, Tiny, AL NE
* Hell Hound - Monster Manual, Medium, AL LE, (Evil alignment, Base Atk Bonus +5)
* Night Hunter Deep Bat - Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, Medium, AL NE, (Evil alignment)
* Osquip - Races of Faerun, Small, AL TN
* Shocker Lizard - Monster Manual, Small, AL TN
* Stirge - Monster Manual, Tiny, AL TN

Table D - Improved Familiars, CL 7th
Sourcebook

All of the following familiars require both the Improved Familiar feat and a caster level of at least 7th to summon. Like the Improved Familiars at CL 5th, the familiars listed below do not grant any additional benefits to their master (except for Alertness). The alignments, sizes, Intelligence, and types of these creatures can vary. Some of these familiars also have additional requirements; these are noted in the listing below.



Three of the familiars described here are constructs. In addition to the standard process for making such things into familiars, the caster must first craft the familiar's body using the Craft Construct feat. Mindless construct familiars (those with an Int score of -) do not gain an increased Int score like other familiars, and do not confer Alertness on their master, but replacing one does not take a year and a day, either.



Format: Creature name - Source, Size, Alignment, (Additional requirements, if any).

* Beguiler - Shining South, Small, AL TN
* Deathfang - Races of Faerun, Small, AL NE, (Evil alignment, Spell Focus [Necromancy])
* Elemental Grue - Complete Arcane, Medium, AL NE
* Formian Worker - Monster Manual, Small, AL LN
* Guardgoyle - City of Splendors: Waterdeep, Small, AL TN, (Craft Construct, 2,500 gp, 120 XP, 5 days)
* Hippogriff - Monster Manual, Large, AL TN, (Base Atk Bonus +7)
* Homunculus - Monster Manual, Tiny, AL TN, (Craft Construct, 1,050 gp, 78 XP, 3 days)
* Howler - Monster Manual, Large, AL CE, (Base Atk Bonus +7)
* Imp - Monster Manual, Tiny, AL LE, (Evil alignment)
* Mephit - Monster Manual, Small, AL TN
* Phaerimm, Hatchling - Lost Empires of Faerun, Tiny, AL NE, (Evil alignment, Knowledge (arcana) 10 ranks, Knowledge (history) 5 ranks)
* Pseudodragon - Monster Manual, Tiny, AL NG
* Quasit - Monster Manual, Tiny, AL CE, (Evil alignment)
* Spark Guardian - Complete Warrior, Tiny, AL TN, (Craft Construct, 7,000 gp, 400 XP, 14 days)
* Winter Wolf - Monster Manual, Large, AL NE, (Base Atk Bonus +7)
* Yeth Hound - Monster Manual, Medium, AL NE, (Base Will save +5)

Table E - Improved Familiars, CL >7th
Sourcebook

All of the following familiars require both the Improved Familiar feat and a very high caster level to summon; these are the most powerful familiars available to any spellcaster. Like the Improved Familiars at CL 5th, the familiars listed below do not grant any additional benefits to their master (except for Alertness). The alignments, sizes, Intelligence, and types of these creatures can vary. Some of these familiars also have additional requirements; these are noted in the listing below.



Constructs: Two of the familiars described here are constructs. In addition to the standard process for making such things into familiars, the caster must first craft the familiar's body using the Craft Construct feat. Mindless construct familiars (those with an Int score of -) do not gain an increased Int score like other familiars, and do not confer Alertness on their master, but replacing one does not take a year and a day, either.



Dragons: Among the most powerful familiars that can be summoned are True Dragon Wyrmlings. Only a dragon of wyrmling age (0-5 years) can be summoned; all such familiars start at age 1, and will serve the caster until they reach very young age (at age 6). Summoning a dragon familiar requires a Charisma score of at least 13, and knowledge of the Draconic language. Upon reaching the Very Young age category, a dragon immediately leaves its master's service--but the loss of such a familiar due to age does not carry an XP penalty, and a new familiar (draconic or otherwise) can be summoned immediately. Alternately, if the caster has the Leadership feat, the Very Young dragon may immediately become a Cohort (at DM discretion). ICly, the former familiar remains an ally, and may continue to help the character out in the future.



Format: Creature name - Caster Level required, Source, Size, Alignment, (Additional requirements, if any).

* Wyrmling, White - CL 8th, Monster Manual, Tiny, AL CE
* Gauntlet Guardian - CL 9th, Complete Warrior, Small, AL TN, (Craft Construct, 11,500 gp, 800 XP, 23 days)
* Wyrmling, Black - CL 9th, Monster Manual, Tiny, AL CE
* Wyrmling, Brass - CL 9th, Monster Manual, Tiny, AL CG
* Wyrmling, Fang - CL 9th, Monsters of Faerun, Tiny, AL LE
* Wyrmling, Green - CL 9th, Monster Manual, Small, AL CN
* Wyrmling, Mist - CL 9th, Dragons of Faerun, Tiny, AL TN
* Wyrmling, Steel - CL 9th, Dragons of Faerun, Small, AL LN/LG (caster's choice)
* Wyrmling, Blue - CL 10th, Monster Manual, Small, AL LE
* Wyrmling, Copper - CL 10th, Monster Manual, Tiny, AL CG
* Wyrmling, Deep - CL 10th, Monster Manual, Tiny, AL CE
* Wyrmling, Shadow - CL 10th, Monster Manual, Tiny, AL CE
* Blade Guardian - CL 11th, Complete Warrior, Medium, AL TN, (Craft Construct, 18,000 gp, 1,200 XP, 36 days)
* Wyrmling, Bronze - CL 11th, Monster Manual, Small, AL LG
* Wyrmling, Brown - Cl 11th, Monster Manual, Small, AL NE
* Wyrmling, Song - CL 11th, Monsters of Faerun, Tiny, AL CG
* Wyrmling, Red - CL 12th, Monster Manual, Medium, AL CE
* Wyrmling, Silver - CL 12th, Monster Manual, Small, AL LG
* Starsnake - CL 12th, Shining South, Medium, AL CN
* Wyrmling, Gold - CL 14th, Monster Manual, Medium, AL LG

[/spoiler]

[sir_argenon]

Q229: i read in a post here referring to trading Detect Evil on a Paladin for Inspire Courage.. i have no idea where the info on this can be found.. any help?

[Agita]

Q229: i read in a post here referring to trading Detect Evil on a Paladin for Inspire Courage.. i have no idea where the info on this can be found.. any help?

A 229

Champions of Valor Web Enhancement.

[PhaedrusXY]

Q229: i read in a post here referring to trading Detect Evil on a Paladin for Inspire Courage.. i have no idea where the info on this can be found.. any help?

A 229

Champions of Valor Web Enhancement.

Wow... that 7th level Dark Moon Monk ability is a bit... insane. It's the same as the best ability from the Shade template, which has a LA +4, IIRC... I'd never looked at that Web Enhancement before...

[Agita]

Q229: i read in a post here referring to trading Detect Evil on a Paladin for Inspire Courage.. i have no idea where the info on this can be found.. any help?

A 229

Champions of Valor Web Enhancement.

Wow... that 7th level Dark Moon Monk ability is a bit... insane. It's the same as the best ability from the Shade template, which has a LA +4, IIRC... I'd never looked at that Web Enhancement before...

You're thinking about the Shadow Creature template, which is LA +2. And doesn't require you to take six levels of Monk beforehand.

[emaNsdrawkcaB]

Q229: i read in a post here referring to trading Detect Evil on a Paladin for Inspire Courage.. i have no idea where the info on this can be found.. any help?

A 229

Champions of Valor Web Enhancement.

Wow... that 7th level Dark Moon Monk ability is a bit... insane. It's the same as the best ability from the Shade template, which has a LA +4, IIRC... I'd never looked at that Web Enhancement before...

Then you should also note Zhentarim Soldier 9th, as a reason to take an odd number of Fighter levels, especially when coupled with Imperious Command and Sneak Attack Fighter.

EDIT: Also, 6 levels of Monk and it's only 1/day.

[PhaedrusXY]

Q229: i read in a post here referring to trading Detect Evil on a Paladin for Inspire Courage.. i have no idea where the info on this can be found.. any help?

A 229

Champions of Valor Web Enhancement.

Wow... that 7th level Dark Moon Monk ability is a bit... insane. It's the same as the best ability from the Shade template, which has a LA +4, IIRC... I'd never looked at that Web Enhancement before...

Then you should also note Zhentarim Soldier 9th, as a reason to take an odd number of Fighter levels, especially when coupled with Imperious Command and Sneak Attack Fighter.

EDIT: Also, 6 levels of Monk and it's only 1/day.

Yeah, but everyone talks about that one...

[Kuroimaken]

Q230: How much would an Epic Belt of Magnificence cost?

[Maat_Mons]

Q230: How much would an Epic Belt of Magnificence cost?

The costs of enhancement bonuses to ability scores are generally proportional to the square of the bonus.  A belt of magnificence +2 costs 25,000 gp, which is 6,250 gp times the square of the bonus.  A belt of magnificence +4 costs 100,000 gp, which is 6,250 gp times the square of the bonus.  A belt of magnificence +6 costs 200,000 gp, which is a little over 5,555 gp times the square of the bonus.  I suspect it was actually meant to cost 225,000 gp, but there is no errata. 

I'd take 6,250 gp as the base proportion and multiply by 10 as normal for epic items.  That comes out to 4,000,000 gp for a belt of magnificence +8.  It's more than the cost of 6 individual +8 items on different body slots (3,840,000 gp), but less than the cost of merging those 6 items into 1 using the guidelines in the DMG (5,440,000 gp).