Scorching Ray Build

[MyLuckyDice]

The first build is definitely hosed since you prepare your stuff ahead of time. The second build is less so since you can always just drop some normal higher level nukes. I don't know that I'd really play either one though considering the problems with focusing on one element as common as fire.

 

[Rystil Arden]

The first build is definitely hosed since you prepare your stuff ahead of time. The second build is less so since you can always just drop some normal higher level nukes. I don't know that I'd really play either one though considering the problems with focusing on one element as common as fire.

Right, I agree. Even though the first does have some extremely high damage capabilities, it just isn't very flexible. The second is actually not forced to focus too much on Scorching Ray at all, so it is more flexible (since most Sorcerers with the Metamagic Variant would want to have lots of these Metamagic feats except Searing and Burning), though it does put several eggs in the fire basket.

 

[Stalker0]

While it is a touch attack, you should include the effects of missing. AT best, you have a 95% chance to hit, but since you have to hit with 6 rays to make it work, that does lower the damage a bit.

 

[Quartz]

Is it worth multiclassing to Fighter for a level or two? For the feats and BAB. These builds seem good as themed NPCs, but not so good as PCs.

But Energy Substitution and Heighten Spell should be on his list of feats.

 

[Jack Simth]

If you can find room on the first build, add:

Spell Mastery (Stuff + Scorching Ray)
Signiture Spell (Scorching Ray)

Lets you convert a prepared spell into a Scorching ray the same way a Cleric converts to heal/inflict spells. Spontaneously. The only Scorching Rays you need to prep are the Quickened ones.

 

[satori01]

I agree signature spell would be a must, likewise Energy Substitution for an element other than fire would be nice as well.

How does the revised Incantrix stack up with the original Magic of Faerun version?

Is Incantrix needed to minimize the Metamagic levels? Could this build be done with a Warmage, where it would seem to work quite well.

 

[mikebr99]

If you are able... and don't mind growing up in the shining south, the regional feat bloodline of fire might help here.
also... fiery burst (CM), and peircing evocation (CM).

And the master specialist is good... with all of the above (and a few other feats, etc.), you'll be casting your scorching ray spells at 17th level (when actually 12th). eg. Wiz3/MS9.

Mike

 

[SlagMortar]

You have a high dex, precise shot and point blank shot, and they are ranged touch attacks. So hitting shouldn't be too much of a challenge, though it's an issue that will sometimes come up. Fortunately, it's not a hit or miss tactic - you are shooting 6 rays a round, and can afford to miss with one without it being a huge problem.

If you use a 25 point buy and have a high dex with 26 Int at level 12, then constitution is very low.
17 base Int costs 15 points. 3 level ups into intelligence plus a +6 circlet gives 26 intelligence.
14 base Dex costs 6 points.
12 base Con costs 4 points and exhausts the attribute points.
Base stats:
8 Str, 14 Dex, 12 Con, 17 Int, 8 Wis, 8 Cha
The BAB is only +5 so it seems like the build might miss humanoid opponents on rolls other than 1. Even with Gloves of Dex +4, the attack bonus outside 30 feet is only +9. A fighter in full plate with 12 dex and a +1 ring of protection is only hit 90% of the time. That brings the first round average damage from 192 to 173. It brings the round 4 average damage down from to 75 to 68.
At this point the build has 36000 gp remaining. It has spent 36000 + 16000 on Int and Dex stat enhancers.

Saving throws are pretty good actually, though a bit lopsided with that Iron Will in there.

Does incantrix have a good fortitude save? If not, I think the fortitude save would be a base of +3, one less than a standard wizard. I don't have the book with incantrix. Does it get an ability to mitigate a low fortitude save?

 

[Quartz]

2 levels of fighter will net you two of Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, and Weapon Finesse (rays count as light weapons IIRC); +6 HP, +3 Fort save and +2 BAB.

If you use a 25 point buy and have a high dex with 26 Int at level 12, then constitution is very low.

Not necessarily: how about Inherent Bonuses or bonuses from race?

Consider a baseline of Str 8 (0) Int 16 (10) Wis 8 (0) Dex 14 (6) Con 14 (6) Cha 12 (4)

And if you're a sorceror, take a toad familiar for +2 Con.

 

[Stalker0]

If you use a 25 point buy....

A fighter in full plate with 12 dex and a +1 ring of protection is only hit 90% of the time.

While I agree the touch attack isn't automatic, if you are assuming 25 point buy, then a 12 dex for a fighter might actually be high.