quick ?: how to boost a single spell

[evilbob]

I'm looking for solutions in the "under level 10" range (so if you start off by saying, "take a level in Archmage -" thanks, but that's not what I'm looking for). How can I boost a single spell (in this instance, command undead) to get its save DC and caster-level effects as high as possible? The single quickest way I can think of is to take Spell Focus [school of spell] (in this case, necromancy) and wear items of +X to [casting stat], and those both increase the spell's DC. Are there other ways? I'm happy for general ideas to boost any spell or specific ideas to this one spell. Is there a feat similar to Ability Focus that can be used on a single spell? Any interesting necromancy-based feats or items? I know Complete Mage has a +1 caster level necromancy reserve feat; any others? Thanks.

 

[Mistwell]

Heighten Spell.

 

[Goolpsy]

In general heighten Spell feat could offer a fine solution

 

[Pinotage]

I'm looking for solutions in the "under level 10" range (so if you start off by saying, "take a level in Archmage -" thanks, but that's not what I'm looking for). How can I boost a single spell (in this instance, command undead) to get its save DC and caster-level effects as high as possible? The single quickest way I can think of is to take Spell Focus [school of spell] (in this case, necromancy) and wear items of +X to [casting stat], and those both increase the spell's DC. Are there other ways? I'm happy for general ideas to boost any spell or specific ideas to this one spell. Is there a feat similar to Ability Focus that can be used on a single spell? Any interesting necromancy-based feats or items? I know Complete Mage has a +1 caster level necromancy reserve feat; any others? Thanks.

Heighten Spell is one. There's a ioun stone as well that increases caster level. Then there are a number of feats that could help, like Arcane Thesis, I believe, that only works on a single spell.

Pinotage

 

[Aestolia]

The only level variable with Command Undead is is duration (days/Level)

I'd say go for Sudden Extend Metamagic Feat - Complete Arcane (doubles duration of a spell 1/day no level mod)

As for the save DC, only intelligent undead get a save against Command Undead.

If you're trying to command an intelligent undead, keep in mind that Will saves are their Best save (forgoing any class levels). So you may be hosed anyways. Spell Focus (Necromancy) is the only real thing to help you with this aspect.

I'm currently playing a Focused Necromancer in the game I'm in. Our GM has banned Reserve feats, but gave the 'Focused Specialist' a +1 caster level in the focused school.

In the end if you're looking for 'Quick low-level Spell boosts' look to the sudden metamagic feats.

Heighten spell is also good, but you're still limited by the highest level you can cast, also with command undead it will affect your save DC but not duration, since that's based on caster level, not spell level.

 

[evilbob]

Thank you thank you; this is very helpful.

 

[darthkilmor]

I'm looking for solutions in the "under level 10" range (so if you start off by saying, "take a level in Archmage -" thanks, but that's not what I'm looking for). How can I boost a single spell (in this instance, command undead) to get its save DC and caster-level effects as high as possible? The single quickest way I can think of is to take Spell Focus [school of spell] (in this case, necromancy) and wear items of +X to [casting stat], and those both increase the spell's DC. Are there other ways? I'm happy for general ideas to boost any spell or specific ideas to this one spell. Is there a feat similar to Ability Focus that can be used on a single spell? Any interesting necromancy-based feats or items? I know Complete Mage has a +1 caster level necromancy reserve feat; any others? Thanks.

Research a 3rd/4th/5th level version of the same spell ?

 

[shilsen]

Spell Enhancer, a 4th lvl Sor/Wiz spell from the Spell Compendium, will boost the next spell you cast within 1 rd by +2 caster level and +1 to DC.

 

[mvincent]

I'm looking for solutions in the "under level 10" range (so if you start off by saying, "take a level in Archmage -" thanks, but that's not what I'm looking for). How can I boost a single spell (in this instance, command undead) to get its save DC and caster-level effects as high as possible?

Curious: why do you want to increase the caster level?

As for increasing the DC: spell focus, greater spell focus, stat enhancer, Red Wizard prestige class (from the DMG, but not the SRD) and (if you really want it) scroll of limited wish (-7 to target's next save).

Any interesting necromancy-based feats or items?

Note that even at the lowest possible caster level, animate dead (with Desecrate) can allow you to control a 20HD skeleton... Titan, Balor, Storm Giant, T-rex, etc.

 

[Aestolia]

Curious: why do you want to increase the caster level?

For the spell he mentioned each caster level adds 1 day to the duration,

Note that even at the lowest possible caster level, animate dead (with Desecrate) can allow you to control a 20HD skeleton... Titan, Balor, Storm Giant, T-rex, etc.

This may be true, but at the lowest possible caster level you can't animate anything with more than 10 HD with a single casting. So not quite the level you've mentioned (Animate max is 2xCL, control max is 4xCL)