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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Marcus Smythe" data-source="post: 3009390" data-attributes="member: 43198">I would probably rule that you could still target a creature with a delayed spell.  By my understanding of delayed spell, it would check validity of target when the delay time is run, not at the time that the spell is set up.  (Basically, the idea is that the spell checks for a valid target when it happens.  Until the time of the delay has run out, theres no 'spell there' to check.)Mind you, other rulings would also be possible.. that would raise the tax slightly higher, by forcing people to focus on spreads and the like, rather than target powers and rays.As to my opinions on Niftys topics?  Well, without creating a character, I'll put forward my opinions/observations on the topics...- Access to magic item creation, types of items, and resources to create "situational" items (Wizard or Cleric wins by a long shot, but Sorcerer vs. Psion could be interesting):Agreed, Wizard or Cleric.  Sorcerors ability to use spells on his class list from items might let him buy scrolls, etc, to craft (unsure of ruling on this).  Psions ability to Psychic Reformation into crafting feats and powers takes him past the Sorceror (if this power is allowed, many consider it problematic), but does so at a non-trival XP cost.- Points of ability damage each caster type can do, and how often;Psions only 'save for half' ability damage is Charisma, and while a decent power, is one that I often find very limited in utility.Mages seem to have alot more ability to 'pick a target', though I'm not sure who scales better, here.  Outside of Core+Complete, its Game-Over in favour of the Arcanists, but were not going out there.- Points of HP damage each caster type can do, and how often;Assuming the Core+Complete, and that both are optomized for something other than damage?  Probably Psion in terms of Damage, with Wizard winning in Duration and Total Damage.  Core+Complete, optomized for Damage?  Hmm.. tougher call... but Psion probably still over Arcanist by a hair in crunch, with Arcanist more comfortably in the Damage per Day lead.- Number of save-or-die effects that can be done each day, at high DC, and at moderate DC;High DC?  Probably Psion, since he can burn up to the 'top'.  This will likely require a feat choice or proper selection of discipline.  This ignores one-off mage tricks on an optomized DC racking wizard... which Im pretty sure wins.Moderate DC?  Wizard or Sorc.  No contest.  This is also kinda thrown off by the fact that Wizard SoDs tend to be strictly better, and of course the Arcanists get the special 'no save, just die' category.- Available utility effects.This one doesnt even BEAR thinking about.  Availability in play will be determined by power selection and forethought, but overall availability?  Arcane.- Party BuffingNo contest.  Note that Psion buffs self about as well (some argue better.. Id argue more broadly but with less focused power than an Arcane self-buffer), but the Wizard has it all over the Psion on party buffing.Dealing with Spell-Resistant Baddies (Undead, Golems, high-SR Crowd)Arcanist.  Force Effects, Orbs, Assay Resistance, etc.  Power Penetration and G.P.P. are lovely, if you want to blow two feats and focus on them.. but I dont think they compete with the above.  Mind you, the Psion still has Crystal Shard for the SR crowd, and Concussion Missle (its like Magic Missile, but sucky!) for the Incorporeal Crew.. but even so.. nah.  Arcane for the win, IMHO.</blockquote>

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