Surprisingly Useful Spells

[youspoonybard]

Sandblast was used a lot by my Druid (from Masters of the Wild).

First level AoE with a reflex save or get stunned.

Remember that stunned guys drop what they're holding. I used that to good effect against warrior-types for a while.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Another seconding for Pyrotechnics...especially since it can also damage beings made of fire in some way.

Sure, 1pt/spellcaster's level isn't much, but it has such a lovely judo-esque feel to it when you Pyrotechnics the BBEG's mooks & minions using his pet elemental as the fire's source.

 

[Ogre Mage]

I second the vote for Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion as well as the poor mage's version, Rope Trick.

 

[Evilhalfling]

Mount.
used without scruples.
to Find traps, create cover, block hallways, cross pits, distract sharks, sell for quick cash (use second casting to leave town) Temporary food, use up AoO's, oh yeah and for riding as well.

Otlicks' hampster Ball (resilent Sphere)
takes enemies out of the fight with a Ref Save, protects the cleric while he buffs/heals and blocks doorways or hallways.

 

[Khayman]

My players are really good at using Charm DM on me.

Material component is a bottle of beer.

I'll second shrink item. I get tons of mileage out of that spell.

 

[Byrons_Ghost]

Spells with verbal-only components, such as Dimension Door and Knock. Combine with the Silent Spell feat, and you've got an arcane get-out-of-jail-free card.