9th Level Spell Choices

[Nightfall]

Well I've rummaged through my collections...and so far the only DECENT 9th level spells are in Book of Eldritch Might which are Magma Burst and Arcana Form. Magma Burst deals 20d6 for the first round and another 20d6 every round after.

 

[James McMurray]

Shapechange isn't 'decent'? Imprisonment isn't 'decent'? Wish isn't 'decent'? Hide Life isn't 'decent'?

I'm confused.

 

[Nightfall]

I'm speaking about OUTSIDE the core James. It's not they aren't GOOD spells, I'm just say I wanted to see WHAT else was available. I serious doubt he wants Soul Exchange or if he could, go Penumbral lord just to get the silly spell Eclipse.

 

[Hatchling Dragon]

My 2cp

I'll go with Shapechange as my 'vote' for 1st 9th level spell. I'll also agree with James McMurray's notion of taking Wish, just as the penultimate fall-back spell, and primarily using the 9th level slots for meta-magicing lower level spells.

As I understand it, from reading the numerous Sorcerer-based threads here, the 'key' to a Sorcerer's spell selection is versitility. You just don't have a large pool of spells to draw upon, so they all (idealy) should serve multiple duties. Both Wish and Shapechange fit that criteria to perfection, it's just that Wish has that nasty little exp hit to consider.

Hatchling Dragon

 

[DM_Matt]

Re: My 2cp

I'll go with Shapechange as my 'vote' for 1st 9th level spell. I'll also agree with James McMurray's notion of taking Wish, just as the penultimate fall-back spell, and primarily using the 9th level slots for meta-magicing lower level spells.

As I understand it, from reading the numerous Sorcerer-based threads here, the 'key' to a Sorcerer's spell selection is versitility. You just don't have a large pool of spells to draw upon, so they all (idealy) should serve multiple duties. Both Wish and Shapechange fit that criteria to perfection, it's just that Wish has that nasty little exp hit to consider.

Hatchling Dragon

But if versatility is key, dont forget Gate...remember all the powers that your summoned beasties have.

Oh, and IIRC, pehnultimate means second to last...I think you meant ultimate, no?.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

I wouldn't go with hide life. It is a good spell, but its instantaneous, you cast it once and you are done. That is something to get on a scroll and cast, not a spell to use as one of your few known 9th level spells.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Why use rock? Adamantium is much denser[...]

Not according to the PH.

Hm. It would depend on the rock, but my general guesstimate from previous experience would place approx 1 cubic foot at around 50-75 pounds. But then again, I don't know how accurate of a judge I am when weighing stuff w/o a scale.

My sources say 150-165 pounds per cubic foot, roughly 2.5 times as heavy as an equal volume of water.

Time stop is very good. It immensely increases your attack power but is more versatile than a simple direct damage spell.

There's a lot of discussion on what can and can't be done during time stop - the spell description seems like two different ideas meshed together. One school of thought says offensive spells can't effectively be cast (RPGA's in this camp), and the other disagrees (better fitting attempt to take the spell description literally). Moral of the story: check with the DM first.

 

[hong]

See, you wouldn't have any of these problems if you just banned all 9th level spells.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

See, you wouldn't have any of these problems if you just banned all 9th level spells.

Do you do that (yes, I'm slightly gullible)?

As for a choice of 9th level spells, I'll suggest something different from all the rest: Foresight. Do you use it all the time? No, but it's a great spell to have on. About to walk into a fatal trap? Suddenly get a warning that the next step is a not-so-good idea. Even if you do not use it all the time, you can have it "active" and use the 9th level slots for other bang spells (maximized chain lightning)!

Later.

 

[Zappo]

There's a lot of discussion on what can and can't be done during time stop - the spell description seems like two different ideas meshed together. One school of thought says offensive spells can't effectively be cast (RPGA's in this camp), and the other disagrees (better fitting attempt to take the spell description literally). Moral of the story: check with the DM first.

Good point. If you can't cast instantaneous spells during Time Stop, then the choice is between Shapechange and Gate. Ask the DM if he is going to have outsiders called by Gate come back and seek revenge often. If the answer is yes or the DM doesn't answer, take Shapechange. Otherwise, choose between Shapechange and Gate.

Wish would be a waste. If you ever need to cast a Wish, find a scroll.

Hmm... what about Imprisonment?