Best Spell to Maximize

[FullTinCan]

What is the best spell to maximize?

 

[AuraSeer]

Why would you maximize Harm? Maximizing a spell puts all variable numeric effects at their highest value. The only variable in Harm is the 1d4 for number of hit points left.

Regular Harm: 6th level, target has 1d4 hp remaining
Maximized Harm: 9th level, target has 4 hp remaining.

Wow, what a productive use of a 9th level slot.

 

[kreynolds]

There aren't any variables in Harm, at least, not ones you would want to maximize, so why do it? Otherwise, I'd go with Fireball/Lightning bolt. They're pretty well rounded spells.

 

[Belares]

I'd go with Fireball/Lightning bolt. They're pretty well rounded spells.

That is good but those darn reflex rolls get in the way. Of course take a 10th maximize fireball (60hp) is still 30 hp if save and then take maximized MM (20hp) the fireball is still better.

Of course empowered fireball is the best. IMHO

Also harm type is all or nothing, whether you make a save.

 

[kreynolds]

Of course empowered fireball is the best. IMHO

Nah. A maximized empowered energy substitution (sonic) fireball is the best. Very few creatures are resistant or immune to sonic damage.

 

[Belares]

A maximized empowered energy substitution (sonic) fireball is the best. Very few creatures are resistant or immune to sonic damage.

i don't disagree but at what spell slot would that be and would you rather use a higher spell in that slot?

 

[Belares]

Speaking of Maximized spells..what is the highest maximized empowered buff spell? We talked about it in our group and we came up with +7 is there more you can get?

 

[kreynolds]

i don't disagree but at what spell slot would that be

8th level.

and would you rather use a higher spell in that slot?

Depends on the situation.

 

[jontherev]

Speaking of Maximized spells..what is the highest maximized empowered buff spell? We talked about it in our group and we came up with +7 is there more you can get?

The Incantatrix gets much higher than that, but I'm not sure how high. Perhaps someone else can remember the exact level of brokeness of this PrC? I'm thinking around +20 or so. SO, if your DM is crazy enough to allow it, an Incantatrix casting an empowered, maximized buff spell is downright nasty.

 

[Jeremy]

An empowered lightning bolt/fireball does more damage on average than a maximized one, and besides that, a 6th level spell would probably work better.

An empowered magic missile might or might not do more damage than a maximized one, but it's a good fourth level no save/no attack roll moderate damage spell.

Maximize just isn't all that good of a feat though in these situations. One fun situation is using a metamagic rod of maximize on a summoning spell that you use to summon 1d3 creatures. In general though, the effects are not worth +3 to spell level.