Making a different kind of wizard

[moritheil]

No more than 1 level of a non-spellcaster progressing class, or two if the concept is cool enough to justify it. So, primarily a spellcaster with some kind of odd twist.

I recommend being a spellthief/wizard, and using your ray spells to steal enemy spell effects. Of course, you'll want the Complete Scoundrel feat Master Spellthief for this to work properly.

 

[Gnome]

Awesome suggestions!

First, the simple stuff:

1) Find an unusual race with a +0LA. There are several in the core- Goblins & Kobolds for instance.

I forgot to mention that the DM isn't using level adjustments; I can pick-up level-adjusted races with no penalties, so long as the power level isn't too unreasonable. Maybe I could do something unexpected like a Goliath (and he wouldn't be so easy to grapple, either!).

2) Use unusual equipment. That could be a weapon taken from an unusual source. It could be armor (check out Oriental Adventures, for instance). I'm currently running a Sorcerer with a 2 handed sword. You can even use something like an Exotic Weapon...but don't actually use it. Carry it around until you can burn the feat (or multiclass) to become proficient with it.

Sounds fun...the big weapon could be a running gag if the big, scary-looking weapon never got used, too.

5) Use unusual spells & stay away from the iconic spells. Avoid Magic Missile & Sleep in favor of spells like Grease or Color Spray. I like Whirling Blade myself- used with a 2 handed edged weapon, it makes a good low-level mook-slayer, especially if its Sculpted into a ball instead of a line.

Another good idea. Picking less-known spells from other sources would be a good way to give a different cultural feel to a wizard, especially if i pick an unusual race.

 

[backbeat]

Are there any classes that support a Wisdom based Arcane Caster? That would be neat. If your DM is pretty lose consider that. Make him an arcane scout who uses his spells to track, see-invisible, enhance skills, and such. In combat, I'd have him be an archer. Keep in mind that point blank shot applies on ray spell too.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Your DM isn't using LA?

OMFG!

What books are on your permitted list?

There are all kinds of fun Outsiders (I choose them in particular because they are familair with all simple and martial weapons) that are +2LA or less. Consider the Githyanki, Githzerai, the various Genasi and other Planetouched, for instance. Or Mephlings!

You'll be able to choose something like a 2hd Swd or Greataxe, do the Whirling Blade spell & have loads of fun.

Other +2LA races that could be fun (but without the benefit above): Shadar-kai, Drow, Half Ogre & some Anthropomorphic Animals.

(Beware, though, some do have bonus HD that would bump the ECL, like, I believe, Lizard Men and Bugbears)

And (surprised that nobody has brought it up before, including myself) what about templates?

 

[moritheil]

FWIW this came up a while back in a post, but it would be fun to play a lantern archon PC. (LA +4, IIRC, but if your DM rules 0 LA, sweet!) Their only other problem as spellcasters is their lack of hands, which makes it hard to manipulate components and make gestures. Unless your DM allows you to jury-rig a variant Natural Spell feat, you'll wind up having to use Still Spell and Eschew Materials.

 

[Markn]

Play a dwarf with spells specializing in martial combat. I played a dwarf that regularly used enlarge and used a reach weapon. It's not a really powerful build but as a wizard who can set for a charge at a large size it can really help out the fighters and saves on spells. I had a lot of fun with it.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Found that Feat- Arcane Strike in CompWar.

And if you want to go for a melee happy, get in the trenches and mosh it up mage, I'm re-voting for Githzerai: Racial bonuses of +6 Dex, -2 Int, +2 Wisdom, Darkvision, racial psionics, familiarity with all simple and martial weapons (because they're Outsiders)...

Yeah, you take a hit to your spellcasting power, but your AC will be GREAT (from Dex and the racial Inertial Armor power) and you'll have a gooooood weapon in your hands.

You'll also make a good archer (because of that Dex) and get the drop on your enemies (inititative bonus).

Go with a Glaive as your weapon, you'll have 1d10 slashing x3 with Reach.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I went back to check on my Githzerai PC and realized I made a mistake in my advice.

They are NOT Outsiders- they are Humanoids with the Extraplanar subtype- so they do NOT have familiarity with all Martial weapons.

My bad!

(At least I got it right on my PC!)

 

[Galamir]

chaos mage

If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion... I would recommend the chaos mage out of the book "The Quintessential Chaos Mage" from Mongoose Publishing. I am a personal fan of this class (though it took some tweaking because it was a tad powerful) It is a iteresting play and a great chance to roleplay.

If you dont like that idea I have been working on a varient of this class. This varient uses mana points and that is a little more versitle rather than powerful compared a normal wizard.

 

[Stormborn]

Pixie necromancer (or dread necromancer if you are willing to be a non-wizard) with a nest inside the skull of an ogre zombie. Pretends to be a lich. Prefers to send animated dead to do the dirty work. Explosive Rune + Zombie + melee = fun.

If you are willing to take a look at something else try the Battle Sorc from Arcana Unearthed. Light armor proff and one light or one handed martial weapon. Max your Dex and pick a rapier and take Weapon Finess. Eventually pick up some reserve feats and improved familiar. Chainmail and sword flashing, walk and talk like a wild west gunfighter and just when your enemies are fooled into think you are some kind of warrior start lobing spells. Max out Concentration, Spellcraft, and Intimidate (a class skill for the BatSorc).