Ability increase for Wizard: Int or Dex?

[Dingleberry]

I'm playing a gray elf Wiz3 with Int 20 and Dex 19, and I'm torn as to where to put my ability raise at 4th level. She does use rays (plus a bow when spells run dry), AC and Reflex save will always be in play, and Dex modifies some handy (but not class) skills - but is that worth more than waiting to get an extra 1st-level spell, +1 to spell DC, and +1 to skill points and some key class skills at 12th instead of 8th level?

 

[Shin Okada]

but is that worth more than waiting to get an extra 1st-level spell, +1 to spell DC, and +1 to skill points and some key class skills at 12th instead of 8th level?

Generally speaking, no. It is good to have better AC, attack bonuses, Ref saves, etc. Still your character is a wizard. Your main strength is in your spells. Spell DC and number of spells per day are far much important.

Today, your PC may be using a longbow when she run out of spells. But basically, it will eventually become bad idea to do so. You can buy and create tons of magic items and using those magic items are much better option than shooting an arrow or two.

High level mages do not rely on their AC. You should better protect yourself by other method. Say, flying away from opponent, become invisible, create mirror images, create some miss chance effects (Displacement and such), get immunities (Ironguard), etc.

And Ref save is the least important of 3 saves. You rarely die immediately because of a failed Ref save. But a failed Fort save may kill you instantly. And a failed will save may incapacitate you in some manner, or worse, let your character controlled by your opponents.

 

[Nifft]

Always increase your primary casting stat. Always.

Spend every available resource to get more spell-slots and higher save DCs.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Sigurd]

Int, then Int, then Int (repeat)

No question. You already have an awesome dex - you have to be able to arrange a character around it.


In increase will make you spell DCs higher, give you a bonus spell or two, and generally make you a more might spellcaster.


Sigurd

 

[Thanee]

To ease your pain... once you are really powerful, you will have a +5 inherent bonus to your Dexterity to make it even.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Unless you have a character concept reason- something related to the internal logic & history of the PC- for increasing Dex, you're better off boosting his casting stat.

 

[Dragonwriter]

Definitely go with Int. Dex can be helpful, but you'll get more power from Int over time as a Wizard. Besides, you can always use that extra 2nd-level slot you get at 22 Int for a Cat's Grace when you need it .

But like Shin Okada said, you should rely on spells that trick or misdirect your opponent, or get you far away from them, rather than buffing AC.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

One thing I'm noticing is a lot of assumptions on how high level the game will go. Many campaigns I've been in never even got close to epic. So sure, get int at levels 4 and 8, but if by 12 the game is wrapping up, making dex even might be worthwhile if you never expect to see level 16. Yeah, there's tomes, but they're really expensive, and if you're going to get any, may as well try to save up for a +4 int.

Personally, odd stats (in useful ability scores) for long periods of time annoy me, so I'd probably increase dex. Clearly the minority choice.

 

[Olaf the Stout]

No brainer for me. Int all the way. The +1 DC to all your spells is the biggest advantage. The extra spells per day is good too.

The 19 Dex you have at the moment is better than most Wizards will get without magical equipment so I don't really see a need to improve it further.

Olaf the Stout

 

[Dingleberry]

Thanks all. Now I feel like the guy on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" who polls the audience and 98% of them vote for the answer which was obvious to everyone except the buffoon in the spotlight.