confusing level 1 wizard dilemna

[doosler]

I have been researching and crunching numbers for a few days now, and I just can't make up my mind about how to create this character. I have my heart set on creating a wizard. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I am about to begin playing in a friend's campaign. I rolled my character's scores and here are the results:

str - 17
dex - 12
con - 10
int - 15
wis - 15
char - 13

Now, to further complicate matters, my DM will allow me to switch two scores. My first instinct is to switch str and int:

str - 15
dex - 12
con - 10
int - 17
wis - 15
char - 13

Obviously, for a wizard a 17 int is better than a 15 int. It would allow me to start out with 3 extra 1st level spells. It would also give me a bonus 3rd level spell that wouldn't be available with a 15 int. It would give me a modifier of +3 instead of +2 on DC for spells and for Spellcraft checks.

However, I am also considering leaving my 15 int and instead switching str and dex:

str - 12
dex - 17
con - 10
int - 15
wis - 15
char - 13

In this case, my AC modifier would improve from +1 to +3. My ranged weapon attack would also improve from +1 to +3, giving me a nice advantage with the crossbow as well as with ray spells. I would be sacrificing a little str (+1 on melee attacks and damage, as opposed to the +2 I would have with a 15 str). I would also be sacrificing a bonus level 3 spell slot, and I would only get +2 on DC for spells and Spellcraft checks, instead of +3.

But it is tempting to downgrade my int modifier from +3 to +2 in order to improve my dex modifier from +1 to +3.

For feats, I think I will first take Point Blank Shot. With a 17 dex, that would give me +4 on ranged attacks, and +1 to damage for ranged attacks. Pretty nice for a 1st level wizard. For my next feat (human bonus), I will either take Collegiate Wizard or Spell Focus: Evocation.

I have also considered taking combat casting and improved initiative. Again, any suggestions from you guys would be appreciated. What do you think?

 

[Mistwell]

If you're going to be a Wizard, then be a Wizard! High intelligence is the way to go. Focusing on a crossbow? The crossbow will be outdated in a few levels, if you pick up something like the reserve feat Fiery Burst. And if you like evocations, the you will already be wanting scorching ray at 2nd level, which can feed your Fiery Burst feat before you use the spell. PBS is not bad necessarily though, since it helps with rays. Weapon Focus: Ray instead of Collegiate Wizard might work as well.

Sadly, you should be swapping the 17 into Int, and also the Wis 15 into Dex. Heck, your Con should be higher as well. But it sounds like you cannot do that, and are forced to use rolls in the places you rolled them with the one swapping allowed.

 

[IamTheTest]

I may be inclined to switch STR and CON. HPs are never a bad thing to have and a 15 in INT isnt really all that hindering. Ill second picking up a reserve feat as well.

 

[Felix]

I'd switch STR and CON. Those 3 hp every level will be more of a boon than you think.

 

[Nifft]

What the two above me said. Str <--> Con.

Your Dex is just fine: it's not negative. Eventually you'll have Gloves of Dexterity, but for now, your defense is to hide behind the Barbarian and/or Cleric.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Infiniti2000]

Obviously, for a wizard a 17 int is better than a 15 int. It would allow me to start out with 3 extra 1st level spells.

Actually, 3-2 = 1 extra 1st-level spell.

Otherwise, the score swap depends on what type of campaign your DM runs. If it's combat heavy (and it appears to be), then the Con <--> Str swap is probably the best choice.

 

[Mistwell]

If you're going to do the Con swap, at least raise Int +1 at fourth level

 

[doosler]

Thanks for the replies. I have considered switching str and con, but am not too excited about the idea. I am surprised so many of you have suggested that option. Here are the three options:

option #1 option #2 option #3
str --> int str --> dex str --> con

str 15 12 10
dex 12 17 12
con 10 10 17
int 17 15 15
wis 15 15 15
char 13 13 13

I understand that the +3 HP/level will be nice. But I am planning on selecting the Toad familiar, so I will already start off with 7 HP. I think part of playing a wizard character is being vulnerable, and so I plan to hide behind the stronger fighters during battle. That's one of the reasons why improving my ranged attacks is so appealing to me. If I go for the 17 con, aside from the HP bonus (and the bonus on Concentration checks), there aren't too many benefits. And I'd be paying a steep price for those extra HPs. I would be forced to make sacrifices in str and either dex or int.

 

[Storme]

Most of the stat based defenses as well as the attack methods you are discussing is ideal if you're a rogue. For a wizard, the only physical stat that is remotely important is con and dex and then only a little. Everything you're considering, even point blank shot (which is good to have but not critical) is utterly irrelevent for wizard play. I gather you've played alot of rogues or rangers.

Stick with int as your main focus. You'll be glad you did. If you don't, you'll REALLY be sorry. This isn't a ranged character you're building.


Storme

 

[Nifft]

I understand that the +3 HP/level will be nice.

Don't forget the +3 Fort and the +3 to Concentration checks, the one skill check your Wizard cannot afford to miss.

Consider another option: not being human. You can use the +2 / -2 adjustments to your advantage.

For example:

Halfling Wizard
Str: 8
Dex: 14
Con: 17
Int: 15
Wis: 15
Cha: 13

Gnome Illusionist
Str: 8
Dex: 12
Con: 19
Int: 15
Wis: 15
Cha: 13

Cheers, -- N