Building my first 3rd-edition wizard. What are the essentials?

[Felon]

So, I'm going to dive into an 8th-level character that actually preps his spells. Sure, I've run more than my share as a DM, but this is first time playing one, and that has its only ittle nuances, and requires its own gear too. What should a wizard (in particular) be spending his money on? How do I alleviate the various hassles associated with spellbook management and security? With the group I'm in, I might even have to worry about my spellbook being damaged by player actions.

 

[The Blow Leprechaun]

How do I alleviate the various hassles associated with spellbook management and security? With the group I'm in, I might even have to worry about my spellbook being damaged by player actions.

If you were one level higher (and thus had access to 5th level spells), I'd have suggested using Secret Chest to keep your spellbook in, only retrieving it every morning to prep your spells and then putting it back in the ethereal plane.

If you have the time, maintain copies of your spellbook if you're really worried about it (one backup is probably a good idea anyway).

 

[Kolvin]

A Glove of Storing might alleviate your Spell Book worries.

I'd also suggest a Constitution Bonus item of your choice for more Hit Points. Always a wise choice when playing a Wizard (the Dwarf race is also a goos idea for a mage).

Trapping your Spell Book with a Sepia Snake Sigil might be a good idea.

 

[Wolfwood2]

So, I'm going to dive into an 8th-level character that actually preps his spells. Sure, I've run more than my share as a DM, but this is first time playing one, and that has its only ittle nuances, and requires its own gear too. What should a wizard (in particular) be spending his money on? How do I alleviate the various hassles associated with spellbook management and security? With the group I'm in, I might even have to worry about my spellbook being damaged by player actions.

First, ask your DM if he would be willing to reduce the core costs of scribing spells. 100 gp/page will consume an awful lot of money if you intend to assemble a wide variety of spells. (I suggest asking for 10 gp/page.) Likely he'll say no, but you're no worse off for having tried.

How many hassles you run into with spellbook security is going to be very group dependent. Some DMs may make it an occasional issue, others may not consider it at all. I would suggest a back-up spellbook, but if it never really becomes an issue then that's an awful lot of money flushed down the drain.

Overall, I suggest specializing. That extra top-tier spell per day goes a long way to improving your endurance. Don't give up Conjuration, Transmutation, or Abjuration.

Magic item wise, you want a Headband of Intellect and some good defensive items. Beyond that, scribe scolls whenever you get the chance. If you fancy being a crafter, wizards are excellent at it. Get Craft Wonderous Item and possibly Craft Wand.

One underestimated resource is spell research. It takes a week per spell level and a 1000 gp per week. If you have the time, researching a specific spell for a specific task offers some interesting opportunities.

Generally, I like to leave at least one spell slot of each level 'open' at the beginning of the day. It's a rare adventure when you can't pause for 15 minutes to more accurately adjust your spell load for the needs of the day.

 

[Kolvin]

First, ask your DM if he would be willing to reduce the core costs of scribing spells. 100 gp/page will consume an awful lot of money if you intend to assemble a wide variety of spells. (I suggest asking for 10 gp/page.) Likely he'll say no, but you're no worse off for having tried.

An easy way to do this legally is to max your Craft Alchemy skill. You can make the ink yourself at one third the cost. This comes up to 33 gp/per page and it's a lot less crippling. Note that you DO NOT pay that cost for spells that you get when you gain a level. So an 8th lvl Wizard would get 14 "free" spells in addition to the spells he gets at first level.

IMHO I think specialisation is a mistake. Variety is the friend of the Wizard and the broadest array of spells you can have is a strength that barring two schools will rob you of. You can always "make up" the extra spell you get from specialisation with scrolls.

 

[Felon]

Actually, I was planning to use the Focused Specialist option from Complete Mage, becoming a Master Specialist Evoker. I've already compiled a pretty big list of spells I want, and they're mainly from evocation, conjuration, and trunsmutation. I will not be having a familiar, so I'll take whatever alternate class feature I can pawn it off for.

What about Boccob's Blessed Book? Is it overpriced at 12k?

 

[The Blow Leprechaun]

Generally, I like to leave at least one spell slot of each level 'open' at the beginning of the day. It's a rare adventure when you can't pause for 15 minutes to more accurately adjust your spell load for the needs of the day.

That's a really clever idea.

 

[Mistwell]

What about Boccob's Blessed Book? Is it overpriced at 12k?

I find it essential. It's worth it.

 

[mikebr99]

Actually, I was planning to use the Focused Specialist option from Complete Mage, becoming a Master Specialist Evoker. I've already compiled a pretty big list of spells I want, and they're mainly from evocation, conjuration, and trunsmutation. I will not be having a familiar, so I'll take whatever alternate class feature I can pawn it off for.

Are you in FR?

Being from Calimshan... and having bloodline of fire and calishite elementalist might help. Fiery burst might also. And Piercing evocation... and spell focue evoc & conjuration so you could start Archmage at 14th.

YMMV

Mike

 

[Angerland]

I find it essential. It's worth it.

and I don't find it useful at all.