Jolly Giant
First Post
Cedric said:
There is one actually... in the Epic Level Handbook! But I'm guessing you don't want to wait that long to become an arcane trickster?
Plus, IRC, you need xD6 sneak attack to qualify for the feat!
Sorcerer - Ranged Touch Expert
- Thread starter Cedric
- Start date
There is one actually... in the Epic Level Handbook! But I'm guessing you don't want to wait that long to become an arcane trickster?
Plus, IRC, you need xD6 sneak attack to qualify for the feat!Nik_the_Pig
First Post
Cedric said:
Well I know it's not what you are asking but if you do this think about taking several ranks in Bluff for those times when you have to resort to hth. Denying someone of their dex bonus on their touch AC makes those normal touch attacks almost a sure thing.
Cedric
First Post
Ok...so if I go Arcane Trickster...what levels should I take my rogue levels at?
Was thinking something like ...
Sorcerer 3, rogue 1, sor 1, rog 1, sor 1, rog 1, sor 1
This gets me a solid headstart on sorcerer. On the otherhand, in the "end" game I would be better off if I took my first level as rogue. It's easy to right off in my background as well.
I could have been young and shiftless, being a rogue, then came into my magical powers naturally.
Cedric
Was thinking something like ...
Sorcerer 3, rogue 1, sor 1, rog 1, sor 1, rog 1, sor 1
This gets me a solid headstart on sorcerer. On the otherhand, in the "end" game I would be better off if I took my first level as rogue. It's easy to right off in my background as well.
I could have been young and shiftless, being a rogue, then came into my magical powers naturally.
Cedric
Voadam
Legend
Start with Rogue for the +2 hp and +24 skill points, particularly if you are going the cheesy assasin route.
If you go EK you give up two levels of spell casting (one to get a level of warrior class for the martial proficiencies, then 1st level of EK). Start with the warrior class for the hit points (perhaps ranger for the hiding sniper skills as well) then go 6 sorcerer then 10 EK then 2 sor and 1 warrior again).
Ray feats
Weapon focus ray
point blank shot
precise shot
improved precise shot
improved crit ray
AT feats
Extended sneak attack (45' from traps and treachery)
improved sneak attack (from traps and treachery)
Spells
1
Lesser orb spells from miniatures handbook
2
scorching ray
acid arrow
4
orb spells from Tome and Blood
6
disintegrate
There are also a bunch of necromancy rays
If you go EK you give up two levels of spell casting (one to get a level of warrior class for the martial proficiencies, then 1st level of EK). Start with the warrior class for the hit points (perhaps ranger for the hiding sniper skills as well) then go 6 sorcerer then 10 EK then 2 sor and 1 warrior again).
Ray feats
Weapon focus ray
point blank shot
precise shot
improved precise shot
improved crit ray
AT feats
Extended sneak attack (45' from traps and treachery)
improved sneak attack (from traps and treachery)
Spells
1
Lesser orb spells from miniatures handbook
2
scorching ray
acid arrow
4
orb spells from Tome and Blood
6
disintegrate
There are also a bunch of necromancy rays
Cedric
First Post
Hmm...there's a new catch. The GM is only letting me start with or automatically learn spells that are in the 3.5 player's handbook.
I asked him to clarify how this is going to work for a sorcerer and I can choose to leave some "spells known" slots open when I level up. If I come across a cool spell that I want, if I make my spellcraft checks I can instantly learn it.
His example was being hit with or seeing a spell in combat, then surprising the caster by throwing it right back at them.
On the one hand, I kind of like this idea and the PHB has a nice selection of spells anyway. On the other hand, it's an added level of complication that makes figuring what in the world I am going to do that much harder.
*sighs*
I've never had this much trouble deciding on a direction to develop my character in.
I asked him to clarify how this is going to work for a sorcerer and I can choose to leave some "spells known" slots open when I level up. If I come across a cool spell that I want, if I make my spellcraft checks I can instantly learn it.
His example was being hit with or seeing a spell in combat, then surprising the caster by throwing it right back at them.
On the one hand, I kind of like this idea and the PHB has a nice selection of spells anyway. On the other hand, it's an added level of complication that makes figuring what in the world I am going to do that much harder.
*sighs*
I've never had this much trouble deciding on a direction to develop my character in.
Cedric
First Post
Thanks for helping me flesh this out and being my sound board, btw.
I am down to two decisions now...
Going to either go with Sorcerer to 6th level, then Incantrix...
Feats would be Point blank shot and precise shot at 1st, then iron will at 3rd and empower spell at 6th, then incantrix up from there.
OR...
Going with Rogue for one level, then 4 levels of sorcerer, then alternate rogue sorcerer for four more levels and go Arcane Trickster.
Feat progression would start the same, but would go with something else at 3rd level and 9th level (spell penetration/greater spell penetration maybe? *shrugs*).
Both of them easily fit my concept. Mechanically I like the idea of not deviating from pure caster levels. But I would be more well rounded as an AT.
...now to decide.
I am down to two decisions now...
Going to either go with Sorcerer to 6th level, then Incantrix...
Feats would be Point blank shot and precise shot at 1st, then iron will at 3rd and empower spell at 6th, then incantrix up from there.
OR...
Going with Rogue for one level, then 4 levels of sorcerer, then alternate rogue sorcerer for four more levels and go Arcane Trickster.
Feat progression would start the same, but would go with something else at 3rd level and 9th level (spell penetration/greater spell penetration maybe? *shrugs*).
Both of them easily fit my concept. Mechanically I like the idea of not deviating from pure caster levels. But I would be more well rounded as an AT.
...now to decide.
I definately reccomend the Arcane Trickster. They have an excellent blend of caster levels and rogue abilities. And since you like ranged touch attack spells, you will love the fact that you can sneak attack with them.
For feats I recommend Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (Ray and Energy Missile), Spell Specialization (Ray and Energy Missile), and Arcane Preparation. The latter three are in Tome and Blood, and I believe Arcane Preparation is in FR as well. I reccomend Arcane Preparation because it is the only way a Sorcerer can Quicken, and now that Haste has been changed, it is the only way you can use True Strike in the same round as your touch attack spells. Having some Quickened attack spells is also a nice way to surprise your opponents in battle. The usual metamagics (Empower, Highten, Extend, etc) are also useful. You may also want to get the Reach Spell metamagic, as it gives you alot more ranged touch attack options.
For spells I recommend picking up all of the 0th level "ray" spells (ray of frost, electric jolt, etc). These spells may seem very weak at 1d3 damage, but when you can use them to deal sneak attacks as a touch attack, that changes their outlook entirely! Be sure to get at least 3 of these with different elements (if not all of them), since when you sneak attack with a spell the extra damage is the same type as the spell. Spells such as Shocking Grasp, Melf's Acid Arrow, Flame Arrow, etc are also good picks for your character. But don't forget to take some of support and utility spells as well. Improved Invisibility is a must, since you will want to sneak attack as much as possible.
Hope that helps.
For feats I recommend Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (Ray and Energy Missile), Spell Specialization (Ray and Energy Missile), and Arcane Preparation. The latter three are in Tome and Blood, and I believe Arcane Preparation is in FR as well. I reccomend Arcane Preparation because it is the only way a Sorcerer can Quicken, and now that Haste has been changed, it is the only way you can use True Strike in the same round as your touch attack spells. Having some Quickened attack spells is also a nice way to surprise your opponents in battle. The usual metamagics (Empower, Highten, Extend, etc) are also useful. You may also want to get the Reach Spell metamagic, as it gives you alot more ranged touch attack options.
For spells I recommend picking up all of the 0th level "ray" spells (ray of frost, electric jolt, etc). These spells may seem very weak at 1d3 damage, but when you can use them to deal sneak attacks as a touch attack, that changes their outlook entirely! Be sure to get at least 3 of these with different elements (if not all of them), since when you sneak attack with a spell the extra damage is the same type as the spell. Spells such as Shocking Grasp, Melf's Acid Arrow, Flame Arrow, etc are also good picks for your character. But don't forget to take some of support and utility spells as well. Improved Invisibility is a must, since you will want to sneak attack as much as possible.
Hope that helps.
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