Sorcerer skills

[Kobold Stew]

So I'm building a sorcerer, and I'm starting to question the default assumptions I have held about skill selection.

Specifically: how much is it really going to hurt a sorcerer if they possess no ranks in Knowledge (arcana) and Spellcraft?

I've always sort of assumed these needed to be maxed, but I am having doubts.

Thanks,

KS

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Well, if you ever plan on counterspelling or casting Epic spells, you'll need Spellcraft.

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

And, flavor-wise, you could very well be a sorcerer that lobs spells left and right without having any knowledge of magic theory.

AR

 

[Jack Simth]

Also depends on the party makeup - it's very hand if somebody has Knoweledge(Arcana) and Spellcraft - for deciphering scrolls, getting an indicator of the spellcasting BBEG's spell list by what he's done to the local terrain with spellcasting, wringing hints out of the DM with the appropriet skill roll, et cetera. Now, a party Cleric or Bard has both Spellcraft and Knoweledge(Arcana) on their class lists, so the party Sorceror doesn't necessarily need it (and the Sorcerorous BBEG needs it not at all.....) but somebody in a balanced party does need them.

 

[Kobold Stew]

And, flavor-wise, you could very well be a sorcerer that lobs spells left and right without having any knowledge of magic theory.

AR

This is sort of what I'm thinking. I hadn't even thought in terms of epic, Patryn; and I was content to lose counterspelling. Interesting.

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Actually, I've always wondered about the knowledge (arcana) thing anyway. Sorcerers are always painted out to be "emotional" rather than "book-smart." Of course, this doesn't have to be the case. But I see no reason why a sorcerer can't emphasize the charisma based skill at expense of the spellcraft and knowledge.

The party can survive without counterspelling ... and chances are you won't make it to epic levels unless you start there. So I wouldn't let that hold you back if you have a good concept going.