Wizard/Rogue

[Zen]

Hey all--

I am playing a gnome wizard/rogue. He's second level with a level in each class, and about to make third level (I'm thinking of taking wizard). I am hoping to have him be a master at ranged-spells-with-sneak-attack damage, and was wondering what feats/spells/PrC's etc I should consider. At first level he took point-blank shot, and I haven't decided on a 3rd level feat yet.

Any suggestions would be welcome, even if I can't act on them for several levels.

Thanks!

--Z

 

[wuyanei]

Full spell progression AND full sneak attack -- for your build, the Arcane Trickster cannot be beaten.

ARCANE TRICKSTER
Hit Die: d4.
Requirements
To qualify to become an arcane trickster, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria.
Alignment: Any nonlawful.
Skills: Decipher Script 7 ranks, Disable Device 7 ranks, Escape Artist 7 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 4 ranks.
Spells: Ability to cast mage hand and at least one arcane spell of 3rd level or higher.
Special: Sneak attack +2d6.

So you will need 3 rogue levels for the +2d6 SA, 5 spell caster class levels for the 3rd level spell.

For feats, Empower spell will be good, especially on Ray of Enfeeblement, but not right now.

 

[Haffrung Helleyes]

rogue/wiz

I'd take Precise Shot.

Ken

Full spell progression AND full sneak attack -- for your build, the Arcane Trickster cannot be beaten.



So you will need 3 rogue levels for the +2d6 SA, 5 spell caster class levels for the 3rd level spell.

For feats, Empower spell will be good, especially on Ray of Enfeeblement, but not right now.

 

[nittanytbone]

You probably want to spread out your rogue levels and focus on a handful of skills to boost. That way you can keep 3 to 4 skills maxed out as well as hurry up the wizard tree towards level 5 wizard ASAP.

Since you have point blank shot I'd go for precise shot next. This will really help your targeting when creatures have cover and concealment.

 

[Quez The Lame]

Complete Adventurer offers a nice selection of new spells and feats for your character concept. You might also take a look at the Daggerspell Mage, though i guess the Arcane Trickster will do better for you.

 

[Zen]

This is great stuff. It's funny, but I was rooting through the 'Complete' books so much that I forgot there were PrC's in the DMG. I will take another look at Daggerspell Mage, but I think Arcane Trickster is the way to go.

Any more advice?

--Z

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Arcane Trickster is definitely the best fit, but another cool PrC is Shadowcraft Mage from races of stone. It grants full spell progression, is only 5 levels, and gives continous concealment percentage and the ability to hide in the open. If you plan on going heavy towards illusion for your spellcasting (i assume at least invisibility will be a staple for you), a 5 level dip isn't too debilitating to your rogue side.

 

[Prism]

Spells

For sneak attack options acid arrow (extended) is a great option. No SR allowed which is good for a multiclass caster. Or scorching ray for much more damage in a single round.
If you use FR stuff snillocs snowball is a great 1st level spell as it allows multiple sneaks as continues for many rounds.
Grease 'may' give you a way of unbalencing creatures and removing their dex to AC.
Blink for sneak options.
Various illusions for disguise and sowing confusion.


For feats i'd take precise shot and practiced spell caster and maybe a craft feat or extend spell


For a PrC I'd go arcane trickster

 

[Tarangil]

Precise shot seems to be your best choice.

You may also have fun with the Lesser orb spells also, they're only lvl 1, and do 2d8 at third level to boot. (unless you get the sonic orb, but what would a rogue want to be making noise for anyways?)

 

[Tharian]

Don't forget to take a look at Weapon Focus: Rays and Practiced Spellcaster. One will help with the lagging BAB and the other with effective caster level.