Maximizing Save DC's

[PaulGreystoke]

Heighten is definitely a good choice for a sorceror. Given that an even level sorceror only knows one spell of the highest level that he can cast, but can cast that slot 3 times a day or more, heightening a lower level spell to fill that slot can be quite effective. A well-designed sorceror with Heighten can use his highest level slots to target an enemy's weakest save with the sorc's best save DC. This allows the sorceror to get the most mileage out of his limited spell choices. For example a heightened Charm Person is an effective spell for a sorceror deep into his career. A wizard could do this too, but is much more likely just to use a higher level spell instead. For a sorceror, metamagic is a way around the spells known limitation, effectively multiplying the number of spells he has available at any given level.

 

[Pax]

Except, Paul, that a Sorceror doesn't have to use Heighten in orer to burn higher-level slots for lower-level spells.

Need to cast Dispel Magic, but out of 3d level slots for the day? No problem, use a 4th (or higher) level slot - the spell works just fine. And, unlike with Heighten spell, you don't spend a full-round action casting it!

 

[Thanee]

Heighten Spell is pretty much a must-have for Sorcerers.

Sure, you can use spells with no save (like Dispel Magic), but the point is to actually keep the lower level spells with save useful. And there are quite a few nice spells, which would still be useable, if not for the low save DC.

That way, you can also take more liberty in choosing new spells, as you do not have to constantly look for a spell to replace another you have used in the past. You just have to pick up another offensive spell every now and then and concentrate on different spells otherwise.

It's definitely a great feat for Sorcerers.

I don't think it's really that great for Clerics or Wizards, tho.

Bye
Thanee

 

[the Jester]

Except, Paul, that a Sorceror doesn't have to use Heighten in orer to burn higher-level slots for lower-level spells.

Need to cast Dispel Magic, but out of 3d level slots for the day? No problem, use a 4th (or higher) level slot - the spell works just fine. And, unlike with Heighten spell, you don't spend a full-round action casting it!

Yeah, but if you use a 4th level slot for a fireball, the DC is still 13 + ability mod. Heighten spell bumps that up a lil more.

 

[Pax]

... and turns a Standard Action casting time into a Full Round casting time. +1 DC just isn't worth that, IMO.

 

[Caliban]

... and turns a Standard Action casting time into a Full Round casting time. +1 DC just isn't worth that, IMO.

It doesn't turn it into a Full Round casting time, it turns it into a Full Round Action casting time. There is a difference.

 

[James McMurray]

+1 DC might not be worth heightening for, but when using illusions and enchantments, +3-4 DC (for instance a Charm Monster in a 7th level slot) could be very useful.

While I don't consider Heighten a must have for Sorcerers, it certainly does look like it could be worth its weight in gold to the right builds.

 

[the Jester]

... and turns a Standard Action casting time into a Full Round casting time. +1 DC just isn't worth that, IMO.

How about, hypothetically, for a +6 DC? If you find a 3rd level spell that either can't be duplicated easily by a higher level spell, or if the sorcerer just has other high-level spell needs- how 'bout a +6?

 

[Marshall]

But by the time you have 7th lvl slots to Heighten Charm Person in, you have switched out Charm Person for Charm Monster or Dominate Person.

Its somewhat useful for a SOR(and by extension FS), but never, IMHO, to the extent that its worth a feat slot to take it.

 

[the Jester]

But by the time you have 7th lvl slots to Heighten Charm Person in, you have switched out Charm Person for Charm Monster or Dominate Person.

Its somewhat useful for a SOR(and by extension FS), but never, IMHO, to the extent that its worth a feat slot to take it.

But what if my 4th level 'must have' spells are dimension door, stoneskin, polymorph, bonebreak and enervation?

I'm just saying that Heighten Spell helps a sorcerer retain versatility- he can still reasonably expect to get some bang from his lower level spells if he needs it.