Mage Build Help - The Many Faces of Kyvia

[Inconsequenti-AL]

If there are lots of new players around, then I'd probably go for a fairly 'straightforward' wizard or psion, to make sure they get a clear picture of how the class works?

The generalist build would cover arcane bases well, few interesting abilities, but they're all solidly within the wizards niche?

Although a psion could be cool. I might be being really ignorant, but what's wrong with that stat layout for one? High int useful, rest is 'gravy'.

 

[Darklone]

The Eldritch knight build sounds funny... isn't there a possibility to combine that prestige class with the elven racial levels from UA without the fighter level? ...

 

[Psion]

If there are lots of new players around, then I'd probably go for a fairly 'straightforward' wizard or psion, to make sure they get a clear picture of how the class works?

The generalist build would cover arcane bases well, few interesting abilities, but they're all solidly within the wizards niche?

Although a psion could be cool. I might be being really ignorant, but what's wrong with that stat layout for one? High int useful, rest is 'gravy'.

Nothing's wrong with it for a general psion. I was interested in playing a particular Psion concept, a sort of dark and scary, smooth and intimidating telepath. Which sort of suggested a higher charisma.

So I could do a psion, but I'd shelve that particular character concept and do something else.

 

[Psion]

The Eldritch knight build sounds funny... isn't there a possibility to combine that prestige class with the elven racial levels from UA without the fighter level? ...

No. You need "all martial proficiencies" to enter EK. Elven paragon doesn't have access to all martial weapon proficiencies.

I'd love to do that though, if I could work it into a build. The D8 HD, a good reflex save and an int boost are sweet, but I have trouble justifying the lost casting level.

 

[Psion]

Still wracked with indecision, but I am sort of leaning towards a Residual Magic build, though specialist abjurer still remains a strong temptation. I need to decide before next game.

I thought I'd throw some 1-10 thoughts on paper

Generalist Wizard

01 Wizard 1 [b](Collegiate Wizard, Scribe Scroll )[/b]
02 Wizard 2
03 Wizard 3 [b](Extend Spell)[/b]
04 Wizard 4
05 Wizard 5 [b](Craft Wand)[/b]
06 Wizard 6 [b](Empower Spell)[/b]
07 Wizard 7
08 Wizard 8
09 Wizard 9 [b](Residual Magic)[/b]
10 Wizard 10 [b]( ? Metamagic ? )[/b]

I'd go loremaster with this build, but it almost makes residual magic pointless, as I'd have to dump one of my feats for a knowledge skill focus. Perhaps I'll save this build for a human character alternate, and forget the residual magic thing and pick up Craft Wondrous Item at 3rd.

Abjurer Specialist Build (banned: Illusion, Necromancy)

01 Wizard 1 [b](Collegiate Wizard, Scribe Scroll )[/b]
02 Wizard 2
03 Wizard 3 [b](Extend Spell)[/b]
04 Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 1 [b](Spell Focus[Abjuration], Skill Focus[Spellcraft])[/b]
05 Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 2 
06 Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 3 [b](Greater Spell Focus[Abjuration], Craft Wand)[/b]
07 Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 4 
08 Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 5 
09 Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 6 [b](Residual Magic)[/b]
10 Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 6 / Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 1

This is a low-decision build, and actually looks pretty appropriate to the types of adventures we've been having. But honestly, I don't think residual magic makes sense in this build. Any ideas for replacements? (Maybe my chance to try out a reserve feat)

Quasi Cheesy Incantatrix Build

01 Wizard 1 Collegiate Wizard, Scribe Scroll
02 Wizard 2
03 Wizard 3 Extend Spell
04 Wizard 4
05 Wizard 5 Craft Wand
06 Wizard 5 / Incantatrix 1 [b](Iron Will,)[/b]
07 Wizard 5 / Incantatrix 2
08 Wizard 5 / Incantatrix 3
09 Wizard 5 / Incantatrix 4 [b](Residual Magic)[/b]
10 Wizard 5 / Incantatrix 5 [b](? Metamagic ?)[/b]

Probably one of the less painful builds, but I still would rather have taken Craft Wondrous Item at 3rd level. In fact, those whole process has reaffirmed to me that humans are the go-to class for wizard builds.