[PFS] Blaster Sorc - Evocation or Conjuration?


Advice

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 16

I'm currently planning my next PFS character, whom I'll be putting GM credit on for the first few levels. I want to go full-on blaster, using the Orc bloodline. Originally I had planned on specializing in Evocation, using Varisian Tattoo, Bloatmage Initiate, and Spell Specialization to boost my caster level and get more damage dice.

However, now I'm considering moving those feats to focus on Conjuration. While there aren't as many scaling damage spells in that school (and the gap at 3rd level is especially conspicuous), it would be more versatile.

Pros:
-More spells that ignore DR and/or don't allow saves
-Can easily pick up Augmented Summoning and have a second schtick

Cons:
-Fewer options
-Sometimes worse scaling
-3rd-level gap (although 3rd level is when many of the must-have buffs show up, like haste and fly

Thoughts? Suggestions?


I agree. Conjuration is awesome for two reasons: often ignores SR, and you have summon spells as a back up.


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Sorcerers have fewer feats so while you do gain versatility, your blaster sorcerer is now more of a battlefield controller (a.k.a. 'god') type.

There are fewer damage-based conjuration spells. Those that do are markedly subpar damage compared pure evocation.

If you're good with that then by all means, it is an increase in your choices overall. And sometimes it's more fun to say "the charging mob's dying screams rise from the acid-filled spiked pit as they tumble to their doom." as opposed to "fireball...fireball...fireball."

Regarding 3rd level spells. You will have a single 3rd level spell at 6th. Which one will it be? If it's Summon Monster 3, then I'd go with the conjuration feats. If you want Fireball or Lightning bolt...I'd probably reconsider an evocation focus.

I usually play controller wizards...but recently decided to resurrect my old 3.0-3.5 evoker. Sometimes I like having an array of ways to annoy the GM by blinding, stunning, crippling, etc...other times I just want to roll a handful of dice and say...'save for half.'

Neither choice is bad of course, which sounds more fun?

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 16

Rerednaw wrote:
Sorcerers have fewer feats so while you do gain versatility, your Neither choice is bad of course, which sounds more fun?

I'm not sure. I've already got a cleric who focuses on debuffs, and a combat oracle who of course focuses on buffs. I've never played with blasting or summons; it might be fun to try out both in the same character, but it might make me less effective at both.

And conjuration does have some good blasting spells, like snowball and summon deadfall. I'm just not sure if it's enough.


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
RainyDayNinja wrote:
Rerednaw wrote:
Sorcerers have fewer feats so while you do gain versatility, your Neither choice is bad of course, which sounds more fun?

I'm not sure. I've already got a cleric who focuses on debuffs, and a combat oracle who of course focuses on buffs. I've never played with blasting or summons; it might be fun to try out both in the same character, but it might make me less effective at both.

And conjuration does have some good blasting spells, like snowball and summon deadfall. I'm just not sure if it's enough.

Snowball is single target. Deadfall also does best damage at a single target.

Generally speaking Evocation excels at hitting multiple targets. No other class has the ability to affect crowds of mobs the way a full-arcane can. The difference is do want to hinder them or do you want them *dead*?

With similar optimization (Spell Focus, Spell Spec, Orc Bloodline, 18 cha), at first level do you want:

Single target, 3d6+3, requiring to-hit (possible -8 to your attack) plus possible stagger (snowball). Ignore SR. (Few SR foes at low levels.)
Area targets, autohit 3d4+3 reflex 16 half.

If you have never played with summons, you have to be very good at playing multiple characters.

Though the guide is written for wizards...Brewer Blockbuster Guide makes for a good read. linky here obviously with a skew toward the blowing things up versus blowing hot air at them. :)

In the end though I have had fun playing both styles.


Be a Human, you will have sufficient spells known to be able to do both.

If you really want to go down the blaster route then Crossblooded Orc with your preferred elemental Draconic bloodline will give you the best damage output. Human favoured class bonus will help offset the reduced spells known from crossblooded. It also gives you access to much better Bloodline spells as the Orc ones are rubbish.

With crossblooded you also don't need to worry so much about the caster level boosts as you are getting lots of static bonuses to damage.

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 16

I don't think I like the idea of cross-blooded. I'm not sure I can really afford to lose the spell slots, and I don't like the penalty to Will saves (it's like an anti-feat). But if I don't play until a decently high level, maybe it won't matter so much.

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 16

OK, given this new rules clarification, I could play as an Aasimar sorcerer and start taking Bloatmage levels as early as 4, or as early as level 2 for a Wizard. Could this be worth it?


Pretty much all bloatmage will give you is the ability to avoid using spell slots and you will have plenty of those.

In exchange you will lose access to your higher level Bloodline spells, to your higher level bloodline powers and to your bonus feats. Personally I doubt it's worth it although if you are sticking with Orc it might not be that bad as their options are pretty bad.

The level 10 capstone might make it worth it if you are willing to drink the blood of your enemies and if your game will go that high.

Edit: Also by being aasimar you lose access to the human favoured class bonus extra spells which is horrid. Going human provides a 50% increase in your spells known over the course of your career. Saving spell slots isn't worth that loss.

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