Arcanist Build advice and low level spell advice

[Minwaabi]

Hi,

I’m trying to put together a 4th level arcanist for a low level campaign that will be starting soon and I wanted some advice since this is my first time playing a 4th level spell caster. We will be playing a module and then possibly rolling up new characters. So I expect I won’t make it beyond 6th level if we make it that far. I’m basically asking about two types of questions, building the arcanist itself and what spells are still useful at level 4 (which I imagine anyone familiar with wizards or sorcerers might be able to answer). I'm planning on a controller type arcanist with a side blasting maybe.

So as a 4th level character, what are good 1st and 2nd level spells to take? I know Sleep is probably loosing it’s usefulness about now and Grease is always useful, but what about Color Spray? Note that I can easily up the DC or CL by 1 a few times per day. (and I’ll probably take the exploit that lets me up either by 2). Other spells that are more or less useful when fighting monsters at 4th level? For those not familiar with the class, Arcanists get Wizard/Sorcerer spells, prepare them like a wizard and cast like a sorcerer . So I can cast 5 1st level spells chosen from 3 prepared spells and I can cast 1 2nd level spell three times. (I can also cast any of 6 cantrips as many times as I like).

I’d also like input on my attributes:
Strength 8
Dex 16 (14 + 2 from elf)
Con 12 (14 – 2 from elf)
Int 18 (15 + 2 from elf + 1 from 4th level)
Wis 10
Cha 14

This gives me a fort of 2 , ref of 4, and will of 4
Obviously the Int is low for the level but will that matter if we don’t go past level 6? Is Dex too high? Is charisma not all that important? I would probably only really use it for consume spells and charisma checks for charm spells and the like. I see people saying charisma is a dump stat but that seems to usually be before the errata nerfed consume spells and some other features.

For exploits I was thinking Potent Magic, Dimensional Slide, or Quick Study. Any suggestions for which to take or other ones to really consider? ( I can only pick two).

I get two feats. I’m thinking Improved Initiative and I don’t know. Fortitude? Extra Exploit so I can get all three listed above? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance

[Secret Wizard]

DEX does seem too high, considering you should avoid mellee at all costs.

The build looks good, CHA is important to have more uses of Consume Spells to get extra Dimensional Slides, Quick Studies, Potent Magics, etc.

Imp Initiative and Great Fortitude are great feats.

I'd probably go for Potent Magic + Dimensional Slide. Quick Study is better once your spell list is thicker.

[Minwaabi]

I was originally thinking of AC, using a bow/crossbow when I run out of spells (I'm an elf), and ranged touch attacks. But I don't know how useful the bow will be at level 4, and most of the spells I'm looking at don't use ranged touch attacks.

[Scott Wilhelm]

This is a little off topic, but I was thinking about something you could do with Arcanist.

Tengu with Claws (and Bite)

1Brawler1: SnakeBite Striker, Sneak Attack 1d6, Dirty Fighter
2B1Ninja1: Sneak Attack 1d6, Poison
3B1N2: Vanishing Trick, Improved Dirty Trick
4B1N2Arcanist1: Dimensional Hop

So, this character can use Dirty Tricks to make opponents Blind and lock in 2d6 Sneak Attack Damage multiplied by all those attacks. She can use Dimensional Hop to achieve Flanking and get Sneak Attack that way. She can lock in Sneak Attack Damage with the Vanishing Trick. She can use Vanishing Trick and Cantrips such as Jolt and Acid Splash to make Ranged Touch Attacks against Flatfooted AC that also score Sneak Attack Damage.

She might acquire a Wand of Scorching Ray. 2 Rays fire simultaneously, so both enjoy the benefit of Invisibility. Each requires an Attack Roll, so both get the Sneak Attack Damage. This Attack against Flatfooted Touch AC will do 12d6 for this level 4 character!

[derpdidruid]

Minwaabi wrote:

I was originally thinking of AC, using a bow/crossbow when I run out of spells (I'm an elf), and ranged touch attacks. But I don't know how useful the bow will be at level 4, and most of the spells I'm looking at don't use ranged touch attacks.

If you have run out of spells the party will probably be about ready to rest. don't not have a crossbow just don't worry overly much about it.

[VampByDay]

I have a high level archanist, and I'm here to tell you what gets me through the day.

Archanists are basically the 'worst of both worlds' when it comes to spells. They get the spells/day of the wizard, and the slower spell progression of the sorcerer. They make up for this with increased versatility, true, but that's how they work.

The main workhorse for the archanist, I've found, are the exploits. Dimention slide, quick study, those things. I suggest putting most of your feats into extra resovoir and extra exploit.

Other than that, look up your standard wizard spells. Magic missle, see invisibility, dispel magic, things that either haul you (or your party) out of the fire, or are versatile.

Anyway, that's what I've done, and it works out well so far.

[Blakmane]

If you are taking DC dependent spells like sleep, colour spray etc, I Would be looking at increasing your INT much more substantially. I would actually argue that if you aren't going above level 6, your CHA is totally irrelevant and could probably be dumped to the pits in exchange for a little more INT.

[Scott Wilhelm]

Scott Wilhelm wrote:

This is a little off topic, but I was thinking about something you could do with Arcanist.

Tengu with Claws (and Bite)

1Brawler1: SnakeBite Striker, Sneak Attack 1d6, Dirty Fighter
2B1Ninja1: Sneak Attack 1d6, Poison
3B1N2: Vanishing Trick, Improved Dirty Trick
4B1N2Arcanist1: Dimensional Hop

So, this character can use Dirty Tricks to make opponents Blind and lock in 2d6 Sneak Attack Damage multiplied by all those attacks. She can use Dimensional Hop to achieve Flanking and get Sneak Attack that way. She can lock in Sneak Attack Damage with the Vanishing Trick. She can use Vanishing Trick and Cantrips such as Jolt and Acid Splash to make Ranged Touch Attacks against Flatfooted AC that also score Sneak Attack Damage.

She might acquire a Wand of Scorching Ray. 2 Rays fire simultaneously, so both enjoy the benefit of Invisibility. Each requires an Attack Roll, so both get the Sneak Attack Damage. This Attack against Flatfooted Touch AC will do 12d6 for this level 4 character!

My mistake: Scorching Ray would only produce 1 Ray, 6d6 with Sneak Attack. Still, very powerful. Ranged Touch Attack vs. Flatfooted AC, and no Save! 6 more levels in arcanist or 7 levels in Quinngong (& Drunken Master!) Monk would add another Ray, or 2 levels in Ninja add another 1d6.

[BretI]

By 4th level Color Spray will have mostly run out of juice. Too many of the opponents you care about are only stunned for one round.

Snowball is an excellent first level spell, especially when they fail their saving throw and are staggered. Grease, Glue Seal, Mage Armor, Magic Missile are all decent spells.

Glitterdust is an excellent second level spell. Web, Invisibility, See Invisibility, Blur or Mirror Image are all good spells to have.

Look at some of the Sorcerer guides and concentrate on picking up those spells first. Then start picking up some of the specialized spells.

I would suggest Potent Spell and Dimensional Slide as exploits. Spell focus: Conjuration or increasing your Arcane Pool would both be effective feats.

FCB of increasing the spell pool maximum probably isn't worth it yet since you likely will not be able to consume enough spells to make it worthwhile. I would go for Hit Points.

[Fruian Thistlefoot]

Level 7 and under is a great Level range to be a Magic Missile specialist.

Magical Lineage Magic Missile.

Meta Magics of:
Toppling (every magic missile can freely be Toppling)
Dazing (Cause this is just fun as a 3rd level spell.)

You now have a viable source of Dazing and Prone control mixed WITH damage. You accomplishing 3 goals in a single spell.

Now just Prepare a Dispel magic for those who can get Shield spell.

I recommend getting your CL to 7 (which is easy enough) so you can benefit from all the possible missiles and damage.

The rest of your spells can be gleaned from all the other helpful advise.

Usually after level 7 Toppling falls out quick. But since your not going over 6 I feel your safe with it.