How do I get more low level spell slots?

[aboyd]

I do not think this is in line with your intentions, OP, but here is something one of my players did last year to increase his low-level spells: take sorcerer as his 1st level, and all subsequent levels as a specialist wizard. This meant that he would get 9th level spells at level 18 instead of level 17, which is a price to pay. But it meant that even though he was a specialist as a wizard, due to his sorcerer level not being a specialist, he still had all the spells on his list (with regards to things like wands).

He had a 12 charisma, and an 18 intelligence. So at 2nd level, he could cast 8 0-level spells, and 6 1st-level spells. This was only cool until his character reached level 8. Once he had 4th-level spells, the earlier spells started to wane in their usefulness.

 

[Starbuck_II]

Is there some way to parley higher level spell slots into lower level spells? (for example: Turn one 2nd level spell slot into two 1st level spell slot.)

Yes, but only wizards learn it: Mnemonic Enhancer lets you turn a 4th level slot into 3 levels of spells: 1 3rd, 1 1st and 1 2nd, or 3 1st (you choose how to divide up).
Good Wand.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

How does one acquire item familiars? I vaguely remember that a Warforged racial sub level for something grants one, but have not seem other ways (not that I've done much looking)

It's a variant from Unearthed Arcana. Basically, you need to spend a feat: Item Familiars :: d20srd.org

The spell slot benefit is underwhelming, you'd basically need a 3rd level slot to invest in the item (you still have access to it, but only as long as the item isn't lost or destroyed) and then you'd get one extra 1st level slot per day. Item Familiar has a lot of benefits, though, so it's definitely a nice feat even if it's not the one-stop solution for your problem.

 

[Corwin of Amber]

Yes, but only wizards learn it: Mnemonic Enhancer lets you turn a 4th level slot into 3 levels of spells: 1 3rd, 1 1st and 1 2nd, or 3 1st (you choose how to divide up).
Good Wand.

I bet that I can get a divine version of the wand made by a Cleric with the Spell domain. I will use this as a backup plan if I cannot get a divine version of arcane maipulation.

 

[azura13000]

Pearl of Power: This seemingly normal pearl of average size and luster is a potent aid to all spellcasters who prepare spells (clerics, druids, rangers, paladins, and wizards).

above is a quote from the SRD which shows that pearls of power dont work for spontaneous spellcasters like the sorceror or bard

 

[Corwin of Amber]

Pearl of Power: This seemingly normal pearl of average size and luster is a potent aid to all spellcasters who prepare spells (clerics, ruid" target="_blank">druids, rangers, paladins, and wizards).

above is a quote from the SRD which shows that pearls of power dont work for spontaneous spellcasters like the sorceror or bard

I usually prefer the versatility of vancian casters, so I live and die by the amount of Pearls of Power I can obtain (to the point of using modified wand chamber rules to encrust my armor with them). I was seeking non-item ways, but this is a good and cheap alternative. I appreciate the suggestion.

 

[Sorrowdusk]

Is there some way to parley higher level spell slots into lower level spells? (for example: Turn one 2nd level spell slot into two 1st level spell slot.)

THERE IS A WAY.
Lost Empires of Faerûn Excerpt
But I have NO idea why you would do it.

Arcane Manipulation
You are learned in the arcane ways of Netheril, where masters of magic once molded and shaped arcane energy to their own will.
Prerequisite: Wizard level 1st.

Benefit: When you prepare spells, you can break down up to three existing arcane spell slots to create a specified number of lower-level spell slots. (A 0-level spell counts as 1/2 level for this purpose, so a 1st-level spell slot could be broken into two 0-level spell slots.) The sum of the levels of all the new spell slots must equal the level of the original. The number of spell slots you can create in this manner is otherwise unlimited. Spell slots that you break down into multiple lower-level slots remain that way until the next time you prepare spells, at which time you can choose to restore your spell slots to normal or break them up again.
Normal: A character can always choose to use a higher-level spell slot to prepare a lower-level spell, but any "remainder" spell levels are lost.

[3.5e] Opposite of Versatile Spellcaster? - Giant in the Playground Forums

Spellcasting improves logarithmically. Higher level slots are just flat worth more than any vaguely ballpark figure level of lower level slots. You giving up multiple low level slots for more high ones makes perfect sense. You giving up high level ones for a few low level ones is about on par with cutting out your own internal organs for the money they'll buy on the black market.

 

[Herzog]

Use Psionic instead of Arcane Magic (system)
Use the spellpoint system?
Use the pathfinder system (unlimited 0 level spells/day)

Of course, this all assumes you don't already have a character and/or you have influence on the systems used.

Maybe if you were to elaborate on what you want the extra low level spells for?

Also: Sorcerer/Wizard/Ultimate Magus with ring of Wizardry I + ring of wizardry II (or even combined into one, leaving room for III,IV and V) will get you a LOT of low level spells !

 

[Corwin of Amber]

Maybe if you were to elaborate on what you want the extra low level spells for?

I'm designing a character for a friend. He wants to be able to channel health, etc into power. My thought was to take 3 levels of Cleric and 1 level of PrC Pally (with other stuff mixed in) in order to give him the ability to use the spells Blade of Blood and Divine Sacrifice (both 1st level). If it would help, the DM has allowed the possibility of the Spontaneous Divine Caster option from UA.

Right now I'm working with a Wilder that takes a dip into Cleric and Prc Pally to get a few uses of each spell.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Other options:

A raging Barbarian. It's not as obvious, but with the lower AC you'll probably get hit more in a given combat, so you're effectively trading health for power. Felt quite painfully when the rage goes away and takes the extra hp with it. Or you can use the PH2 variant ("Berserker Strength"?), instead of times/day and control over when you rage, you instead simply go into and stay in rage whenever your current hp is equal or less than 5 x Barbarian level. Now, this super duper sucks for many reasons: 1) It's nice to control when you rage; 2) the threshold is based on barb level rather than character level, so you can't multiclass at all; 3) 5 hp per level is a dangerously low threshold considering you have d12 + (a likely pretty good) con mod per level; 4) the way 3E works, you're much better off hitting hard and hitting early, getting your big melee boost a few rounds into a fight is very subpar.
But maybe your friend would like the mechanics. If the DM is nice, you could ask him to boost the threshold to at least 6 per level, and base it on character level or something.

Another option is Crusader, who has a delayed damage pool and gets an attack and damage boost from it being filled. Much later on, Greater Divine Surge maneuver is a VERY drastic example of trading health (Con score!) for power.