Warmage queries.

[Sekhmet]

The Warmage appears to be the the quintessential Evoker, and does his job (one hit killing every mook in your BBG's defensive wall with a single spell) quite well.

I notice that it is all that he can do with the spells available in the Complete Arcane (where he originates).

Are there any additional resources for him to gain a small bit of versatility so that he might be a slightly more effective character, rather than a one (albeit important) trick pony?

Secondly, are there any peculiar quirks or realisations you've come to regarding Warmages that weren't immediately apparent? Did you find that they were more (or less) effective than they appear on paper (at their particular job)?

Tertiary, do you find that (in your games) AoE damage dealers are unnecessary or unused?

 

[Talonblaze]

I think the Spell Compendium might have somethign for them, not sure. But I know they have abilities that allow them to take Wizard/Sorc spells of the same field.

Unless you take Elective Learning (which replaces the 'advanced learning'?) to allow you to take ANY Wizard/Sorc spell (that you can cast at that point) and treat it as 1 level higher than the spell actually is. (which can be a downside).

Other than that, not entirely sure.

Personally I love em, I enjoy combat damage dealing mages.

 

[Dandu]

Sand Shaper from Sandstorm gives you quite a bit of versatility early on. Great dip.

Warmages are less good at sorcerers when it comes to blasting, though. Sad but true. At least they get some spells on their for utility and battlefield control.

If you play a Warmage, strongly consider the Explosive Spell metamagic feat which literally knocks people's socks off.

 

[Talonblaze]

@Dandu

Out of curiosity what makes the Sorc better at blasting? Don't they get almost most of the spells a Sorc can cast (or can get them from Advanced Learning) and cast them better with Warmage Edge added onto the mix?

 

[Dandu]

Wings of Flurry, Enervation, Maw of Chaos, Streamers, Arcane Spellsurge, Shapechange, Time Stop, and Polymorph Any Object offhand.

 

[Talonblaze]

Hrm, haven't heard of those besides Shapechange and Polymorph Any Object. Seems they are more spells related to transmutation than blowing people away. But if they are available to Sorcs that means Advanced Learning allows the Warmage to select a few of those as well.

Unless you mean there's more. lol.

 

[Dandu]

Here's the build.

Be sure to check that little box under the skills list.

This build is capable of dealing out over 2000 damage per round. I'd calculate it for you but it's an intricate combo and it gives me a headache every time I put the pieces in motion.

 

[Talonblaze]

Ah, and here I thought it was purely Sorc. I only recognize that and Fatespinner so the other two classes have me scratching my head especially to get it so powerful.

What book does Time Stop hail from? I don't recall it being in the Compendium nor the PHB. But its oddly in the SRD.

2000 damage per round? I'd love to break a game with that.

 

[Dandu]

Time Stop is from the PHB.

I linked to the wrong sorc build earlier. It should be correct now. Evilwizardington.

Anyways, it goes thus:
1. Cast Elemental Body. You are now immune to stunning.
2. Shapechange into a Choker from the SRD/Monster Manual
3.Cast Arcane Spellsurge.
4. Cast Lesser Orb of Fire. Use Reserves of Strength to boost it. Reserves of Strength grants a +3 to CL also breaks the level cap on the spell.
5. Stack all your relevant metamagic feats on the Orb.
6. Use the Metamagic Specialist ACF to do this as a standard action.
7. Arcane Spellsurge reduces this to a swift action. Torpedo 1 away, captain!
8. Repeat steps 4-5, but do not reduce casting time with Metamagic Specialist. It is now a full round action.
9. Arcane spellsurge reduces this to a standard action. Torpedo 2 away!

Here comes the part I hate: figuring out damage. Best I figure, each orb does 56d8 fire damage, 56d8 cold damage, and then some extra due to... god knows what, I don't want to think about this right now.

 

[Gray Lensman]

Here comes the part I hate: figuring out damage. Best I figure, each orb does 56d8 fire damage, 56d8 cold damage, and then some extra due to... god knows what, I don't want to think about this right now.

This is why I really play the role and TRY to stick to simplicity

[MENTION=85158]Dandu[/MENTION], I love this

Contingency: Teleport keyed to a rude gesture