WarlockLord
First Post
Advice? How do I make my limited spell slots count? What feats should I take?
Surviving as a low level wizard.
- Thread starter WarlockLord
- Start date
Crossbows are your friend. Seriously. A heavy crossbow is d10, crit on 19-20/x2. Not bad, and you're not significantly behind the fighter yet in your BAB yet, especially if you put some decent points into your DEX.
As far as your spells for the day? Focus on group takedown spells; color spray and sleep are good ones. Try to stay out of melee as much as possible.
As far as your spells for the day? Focus on group takedown spells; color spray and sleep are good ones. Try to stay out of melee as much as possible.
I agree with Vargo. I've seen low level sorcs/wizards save the party with crossbow fire. I've also seen a well-placed Sleep spell end a combat before it even got started. Shield is also an incredibly effective spell at low levels. At first level, a wizard who has cast Shield will often have the highest AC in the party (but not for very long).
Once you get a little cash, don't forget to scribe yourself some scrolls of the spells you use the most (like Sleep and Shield). I find that having a backup Shield spell on a scroll can literally be a life-saver when the first casting of Shield runs out in the middle of a fight (or when there are additional encounters in the same day, and you've already cast Shield during an earlier fight).
Once you get a little cash, don't forget to scribe yourself some scrolls of the spells you use the most (like Sleep and Shield). I find that having a backup Shield spell on a scroll can literally be a life-saver when the first casting of Shield runs out in the middle of a fight (or when there are additional encounters in the same day, and you've already cast Shield during an earlier fight).
Avoid getting 'marked' as an arcane caster for as long as possible. Strap a shield on your back and walk around with a spear in your hand. You'll look just like a peasant levy or hireling.
Nobody wastes spells on cannon fodder when they could be taking down threats. Don't wear wizard robes and walk around with a wand.
Nobody wastes spells on cannon fodder when they could be taking down threats. Don't wear wizard robes and walk around with a wand.
Evilhalfling
Adventurer
go for the tactical move instead of a kill. I played an enchanter through sunless citadel,
and aid another, helping flanking, usually fighting defensivly or going full defense in melee. Carefully staying away from guys with big weapons (but goblins and rats had no terror for him)
Carrying the formerly mentioned x-bow ment that even after a pair of sleeps he was important in every encounter. He would also drop prone for the extra +4 when it seemed safe enough to do so.
His 3rd spell was Ex Retreat - otherwise his little legs would have gotten him killed.
and aid another, helping flanking, usually fighting defensivly or going full defense in melee. Carefully staying away from guys with big weapons (but goblins and rats had no terror for him)
Carrying the formerly mentioned x-bow ment that even after a pair of sleeps he was important in every encounter. He would also drop prone for the extra +4 when it seemed safe enough to do so.
His 3rd spell was Ex Retreat - otherwise his little legs would have gotten him killed.
Ridley's Cohort
First Post
A reach weapon is not a bad thing to carry around. It gives you another means of Aid Other, even if you are getting significant penalties. -4 for non-proficiency is the same as -4 for a ranged attack into melee.
Most combats you will just end up dropping it. No biggy.
Most combats you will just end up dropping it. No biggy.
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Gotta agree with the other advice: go with a crossbow for your main weapon, above even your spells, starting out. Even the light crossbow will do more damage than a magic missile at that level (albeit it isn't an auto-hit). You also don't suffer from a low strength score, like you would with a melee weapon.
Mage Armor is a nice spell to slap on, since it will last all through combat. Ditto Protection from Evil.
Ray of Enfeeblement on a strong melee threat can win the battle.
For feats, you may want something like Spell Focus (Evocation, Illusion, Enchantment, or Necromancy, depending on what you plan to use the most of). Point Blank Shot isn't bad if you're going to be a ray specialist, and Precise Shot is also good in that case. Your other choice is to pick up a Metamagic feat, but you probably won't be able to use it for a little while (ok, on a cantrip, maybe).
Pump ranks into various Knowledge skills, so you will often know the weaknesses of various enemies.
Mage Armor is a nice spell to slap on, since it will last all through combat. Ditto Protection from Evil.
Ray of Enfeeblement on a strong melee threat can win the battle.
For feats, you may want something like Spell Focus (Evocation, Illusion, Enchantment, or Necromancy, depending on what you plan to use the most of). Point Blank Shot isn't bad if you're going to be a ray specialist, and Precise Shot is also good in that case. Your other choice is to pick up a Metamagic feat, but you probably won't be able to use it for a little while (ok, on a cantrip, maybe).
Pump ranks into various Knowledge skills, so you will often know the weaknesses of various enemies.
Dr_Rictus
First Post
FalcWP said:
I would add, put at least 1 point into each creature identification Knowledge skill, since these checks are not very difficult but are also always higher than DC 10 (so they're never possible untrained).
That'd be dungeoneering, nature, arcana, the planes, local, and religion. Plus psionics, if applicable to your campaign. 5 or 6 skill points well spent.
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