confusing level 1 wizard dilemna

[Dannyalcatraz]

At this point I think it's fair to say that I am obsessing over this choice.

Consider that an artifact of the nature of the system. You'd find the same amount of attention to detail in a GURPS or HERO campaign.

The reason? All 3 systems reward good character design, and potentially punish just slapping a PC together in a rush.

 

[Mistwell]

I'd go for the gnome.

Specifically, I would go gnome illusionist (ban evocation and one other, probably conjuration or transmutation) for levels 1-3 with spell focus: Illusion. Take the first level replacement level for gnome illusionists in Races of Stone. I'd take Master Specialist from Complete Mage from levels 4-7 (which gives you greater spell focus and another +2 to DC of most illusion spells). Then I would move on to Shadow Mage from Races of Stone for levels 8-12 (where you will get back your evocation and conjuration spells through your figments). That would be a very versatile character.

 

[doosler]

I'd go for the gnome.

Specifically, I would go gnome illusionist (ban evocation and one other, probably conjuration or transmutation) for levels 1-3 with spell focus: Illusion. Take the first level replacement level for gnome illusionists in Races of Stone. I'd take Master Specialist from Complete Mage from levels 4-7 (which gives you greater spell focus and another +2 to DC of most illusion spells). Then I would move on to Shadow Mage from Races of Stone for levels 8-12 (where you will get back your evocation and conjuration spells through your figments). That would be a very versatile character.

Unfortunately, I don't have these books. Also, switching between different classes (or at least between variations of the wizard class) seems pretty complicated, and I don't know the first thing about how that works. I don't think my DM understands it, either. This is my first time playing D&D in many years (I used to play 2nd Edition, and had never heard of 3.0, 3.5, or anything else until a couple of weeks ago), so I'd rather keep it simple. Honestly, I'll be impressed if my character makes it to 5th level. I am hoping to get at least that far, because I want to cast fireball.

Regarding spell focus: illusion, I am not sure that's my best option. As a gnome, I would already have +1 to DC for illusion spells. Obviously, +2 is better than +1. But I imagine most of the enemies I'll be facing will have stronger Reflex saves than Will saves, so I'll need more help with spells that result in Reflex saves, i.e. mostly Evocation spells. Spell focus: Evocation will give me an advantage against enemies with strong Reflex saves. I think that is my best option.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

What spell focus Illusion (and specializing in it as well) gets you is avoiding the whole Reflex save question. Instead, they'll probably be making Will saves. Some Illusion spells have no saves. If you're facing critters with bad Will saves, that (or the similar Enchantment school) is probably what you really want.

Also, since Illusions interact with a critter's perceptions, your Dex probably won't be an issue in attacking.

OTOH, Illusions are REALLY bad if you're facing undead.

 

[Felix]

At this point I think it's fair to say that I am obsessing over this choice. It's an interesting puzzle. Who should I pick?

If you're going to be an illusionist, go gnome. Do it along the lines of what Mistwell suggests, though you may consider Focused Specialist as well from the PHBII simply because Illusion is so flexible as to allow you to imitate magic from your banned schools.

If you insist upon taking Point Blank Shot as your feat, don't go human; it's a waste of a feat for a wizard who isn't an Arcane Trickster. Yes, there are ray spells, but +1 att / +1 damage on a ray isn't going to impress anyone. It's a good feat for an archer or a thrower, but they can fire 30-40 arrows per day without breaking a sweat. You'll have maybe 3 ray spells prepared on any given day, if you get to use them all.

If you want good utility metamagic for later levels, use the human bonus feat to pick up Extend Spell. You don't have a high Dex, so Improved Initiative won't go wrong for you here. Either Lightning Reflexes or Iron Will will shore up weaknesses. If your DM is a stickler for material components, Eschew Materials is a gimmie. Rapid Reload will allow you to move and shoot, though this is a rather weak feat as well.

If your wizardly concept leans towards a PrC, then use the bonus feat to get one of those pesky prereqs, even if it isn't totally helpful.

That's what's nice about humans: they're completely flexible and can adapt to any character concept. I suppose you need to figure out what that concept is first before you are able to take advantage of that.

 

[doosler]

What about spell focus: enchantment, to balance out the gnomish +1 racial bonus to DC on illusion spells? Is it better to be balanced, or to stack up the DC points in a single category?

Here's a question: By specializing in illusion, would I get a bonus to DC on illusion spells? Judging by the PHB, it looks as if the answer is no. How lame is that? All I'd get is one extra spell per level per day, and I'd have to give up access to a hundred different spells? I am worried that my DM won't give me an opportunity to prepare any of my spells once the adventure begins, let alone any EXTRA spells!

 

[Nifft]

If you insist upon taking Point Blank Shot as your feat, don't go human; it's a waste of a feat for a wizard who isn't an Arcane Trickster. Yes, there are ray spells, but +1 att / +1 damage on a ray isn't going to impress anyone.

(Psssst! It's a prereq for Precise Shot, which isn't a waste of a feat for anyone who likes Necromancy, Transmutation or even Conjuration if the orb spells are allowed in.)

, -- N

 

[green slime]

(Psssst! It's a prereq for Precise Shot, which isn't a waste of a feat for anyone who likes Necromancy, Transmutation or even Conjuration if the orb spells are allowed in.)

, -- N

(Psssst! You shouldn't tell them that! Its secret!)

 

[Nifft]

(Psssst! You shouldn't tell them that! Its secret!)

(Pssst! That's why we're whispering!)

, -- N

 

[Felix]

(Psssst! It's a prereq for Precise Shot, which isn't a waste of a feat for anyone who likes Necromancy, Transmutation or even Conjuration if the orb spells are allowed in.)

, -- N

Meh. Disintegrate them before they close to melee. As for Necromancy, I'd rather have Spell Focus and Greater Spell Focus for the price of Point Blank and Precise Shot.

If the Orb spells are left in, you're quite right. Huh... I wonder why I didn't consider that as a possibility...