Exploiter Wizard - Aim for Versatility


Advice


I'm working on another wizard, starting at level four, but I'd like to have the build planned out. My goal is be a silver bullet mage, but be able to spike myself for key moments. I'm going with human on this one, but I'm just not sure how I should go about my exploits.

The exploits I would like in the build are:
Dimensional Slide
Familiar
Metamixing
Potent Magic
Quick Study

The feats I would like the most are:
Improved Initiative
Point Blank Shot
Precise Shot

Honestly, though, unless I get to higher levels, metamagic feats aren't really applicable to anything, and because I'm essentially performing as a universalist, I don't know how I should specialize. In fact, the only reason I'm taking PBS and PS is so that when I have to use a ray, I can. Also, a lot of the exploits are incredibly useful early on, so should I take Extra Arcane Exploit for those, or just wait it out?

Any advice?

Dark Archive

I would do Potent Magic before any other exploit...then Quick Study...then Dimensional Slide. Some would argue Quick Study for later, when you have a larger arsenal of spells, but I find that the ability it offers is a key element in versatility that distinguishes the Arcanist (or in this case Exploiter Wizard).

Dark Archive

...oh...I forgot to add I wouldn't be in too much of a rush once I had those three. I do like using feats for Extra Arcane Exploit, but you don't need to front load too much IMO.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

If you want to be a silver bullet mage, then obviously Quick Study has to be your first exploit, and I'd follow that up with Familiar and Dimensional Slide (probably spending a feat on that). Also, look into School Understanding and Bloodline Development to find some cool abilities you can use.

Basically, get your new options first; get your small bonuses to existing options (i.e. potent magic) later.

Aside from that, I don't think a wizard benefits much from PS and PBS, and certainly not both.


I think that Potent Magic (and Dimensional Slide) is the reason to be an Exploiter Wizard. It is a jumping board to greatness allowing you to ramp up either your DC or CL to sickening levels. This combines really well with Spell Focus/Greater Spell focus and with Feats that boost your CL like Varisian Tatoo and Spell Specialization.

At the end of the day there are only a handful of top tier spells per spell level that you will want to take anyways so the need for Quick Study is minimal. In combat use of Quick Study is tricky at best so you can always just leave a slot open and/or rely on a scroll library to help you out. My 15th level Exploiter Wizard does not have Quick Study and does not miss it.


@Mage of the Wyrmkin
Was there ever a time when you took Extra Arcane Exploit, and if so, when was it? What exploits did you use it for?


Actually, on a different note, I have an idea that would make this simpler.

Feats:
Improved Initiative (H)
Combat Casting (1)
Craft Wonderous Items (3)
Improved Familiar (5)
Uncanny Concentration (7)

Wizard Feats:
Craft Magic Arms and Armor (5)

Exploits:
Familiar (1)
Crafting Feat (Craft Construct) (5)

My only question is,

Is it possible to create a large construct that doubles as a familiar?

I was thinking a homunculus would do...I'd just need tons of gold...


Velithin wrote:

Actually, on a different note, I have an idea that would make this simpler.

Feats:
Improved Initiative (H)
Combat Casting (1)
Craft Wonderous Items (3)
Improved Familiar (5)
Uncanny Concentration (7)

Wizard Feats:
Craft Magic Arms and Armor (5)

Exploits:
Familiar (1)
Crafting Feat (Craft Construct) (5)

My only question is,

Is it possible to create a large construct that doubles as a familiar?

I was thinking a homunculus would do...I'd just need tons of gold...

You're missing potent magic and quick study, which are the two big reasons to play an exploiter, if you just want a familiar and some crafting play a normal wizard and get a familiar at level 1


Because I'm essentially a universalist, I'm going to be using spells besides save or dies. Therefore, Potent Magic can wait till 9th level. I'm taking Wyrmkin's advice on the whole quick study because I'm used to being a mage, and if I have to, I can delay my feat plan one two levels so I can EAE my way into the exploit.

Any other suggestions?


Ummm Counterspelling is important.

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