1st level wizard design

[Ian Sturrock]

I'll second those who recommended Elf - mostly for the weapon proficiencies.

On the specialisation front, I think Divination is often overlooked. Admittedly it doesn't seem especially powerful, but you can drop Necromancy to take it -- which to my mind, makes it the next best thing to free!

Basically, there's very few 1st-4th level Necromantic spells I'd bother memorising anyway -- and in return, I get spells I know I will use, even at low levels -- True Strike, Identify, Detect Thoughts, See Invisibility, Clairvoyance etc. Admittedly these are generally utility spells rather than attack ones, but the current campaign I play in is urban & rogue-orientated, so I use Divination stuff all the time. Even in a more dungeon-bash style game, though, I think I'd consider Divination -- information is often a more powerful weapon than any fireball.

 

[bret]

I can assure you that I didn't overlook Divination. I've played a couple of different diviners and find them quite useful.

The reason that I suggested staying away from specialist is it sounded as if this was the players first mage. The player needs to find out what type of spells he likes before making a specialist. You also need a good idea of which spells you would least miss.

 

[officeronin]

Depends

I know that you are asking about 1st level, but you always need to be thinking about later levels...

Taking spellcasting prodigy is really good if it's available. Obviously.

Most recently, I went human with improved initiative, improved counterspelling, and (at 3rd level) reactive counterspelling. Although I played like an abjurer, the PC was a generalist. In any case, I like improved initiative so I can get that fireball off before the fighters charge into the area of effect.

Spell Focus and Greater spell Focus combos are great in enchantment, illusion, and necromancy -- but I wait to grab spell penetration and Greater spell penetration at levels 6 and 9. Gosh I hate SR...

Crossbows are great for wizards, and I prefer a dagger as it's useful as a tool and staves are too heavy. Watch out for weight -- a spellbook and rations are about it for an 8 strength wizard, and running is always an option!

I prefer humans (for the feat) for wizards and don't like the CON hit on elves. Halfling and gnome might be interesting...

As far as specialization, I generally prefer not to do it -- I like the range of options. However, if the DM is not very free with captured spell books/scrolls/etc. and you have to do your own reasearch to get spells (or rely on those 2 spells per level), specialization is a much better idea.

OfficeRonin