What 8th level Wizard spells would you prepare

[Balord]

Awhile back, there was a poll asking what 9th level spells a wizard should most likely prepare on any given day. I found this poll quite interesting, but ultimately somewhat predictable. Shapechange, Timestop, Wish, Mage's Disjunction, and Gate all seemed to be obvious favorites to me, and I was not surprised that many people chose them.

But what about 8th level spells? They are not as often discussed as 9th level spells, and in my opinion are much harder to select from. What 8th level wizard spells would you guys prepare above all others on any given day (assuming you don't know what encounters you might face).

 

[Brain]

Mind Blank.

 

[KarinsDad]

Mind Blank as mentioned.


I've also always liked Iron Body as a general immunity spell.

If you are in a situation where your spells cannot affect enemies and you cannot get away, it works pretty well to be one more meat shield where the Cleric does not have to worry about healing you and it takes some pressure off the Fighters. It especially works to have you get away from most enemies by entering a lake or river or other body of water (when applicable).


Protection From Spells is also very nice and worth 500 GP when you know you are going up against a group of spell casters ahead of time.


Prismatic Wall is pretty much the ultimate wall spell.


I'm not too keen on high level spells that have spell resistance though and many 8th level spells have that.


There are also a lot of good lower level spells that become real powerful if metamagicked to 8th level.

 

[dcollins]

Link to the poll on 8th level spells:
http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=93953

Top 4 after 50 votes were:
35 Mind Blank
26 Horrid Wilting
23 Polymorph Any Object
18 Irresistable Dance

 

[WingOver]

I'm surprised Moment of Prescience didn't score better, considering its utility and extremely long duration. But maybe I play my spellcasters too defensively.

 

[Darkness]

Create greater undead.

 

[Arkhandus]

Going by 3.0 here.....
Mind Blank (great defense)
Maze (no save, no SR, minimum of 1d4 rounds that the opponent is out of the battle, unless they have one of the few particular spells/abilities that can get it out of a Maze)
Otto's Irresistable Dance (similar to Maze, but leaves the enemy open for attack)
Iron Body (great defense against unusual effects that mages tend to have poor Fort saves against, and good against physical damage from mooks)

Leave the 7th and 9th-level slots for blasting-type spells. {:^D

 

[Felix]

Mind Blank and Moment of Prescience.

 

[Rhun]

I still hold a special place in my heart for Trap the Soul. I love that spell.

 

[andargor]

Mind blank.

Uh... What was I saying again?

Moment of prescience.

Ah! Now I remember!

Andargor