Wizard advice, finally made it to 5th Level!

[Aretas]

I'm a 5th level Abjuration specialist with Enchantment/Illusion as my prohibited schools. What 2 spells & feat would you choose & why?

[tonyz]

What feats do you already have? What spells do you like to use?

Dispel magic and one of the magic circle spells are both very good for your abjuration spell.

Also you get two feats, the level 5 feat and the wizard level 5 bonus feat.

[roguerouge]

I'd go with Haste and Slow. You won't believe how many combats you'll win with that combo and you'll win them in a way that everyone in the party will love you for giving them the spotlight.

[A highly regarded expert]

roguerouge wrote:

I'd go with Haste and Slow. You won't believe how many combats you'll win with that combo and you'll win them in a way that everyone in the party will love you for giving them the spotlight.

Can't go wrong, there.

Since one of them has to be abjuration, I'd take dispel magic. Not as good as greater dispel, obviously, but it works consistently enough to be worth it. I fondly remember many instances where it worked beautifully. The PF version is changed, but still a good spell to have.

What feats do you have now? Extend spell would make your mage armor last a very long time for a 2nd level slot. Silent or still spell is good, but situational. Don't take any metamagic feats that cost more than a 1 level bump, at any rate. Pick one you can use easily right now with the few spells you have. Toppling spell turns magic missile into a nice spell for multiple enemies. Save or trip. If you do save, you still took a little damage (usually).

[Alitan]

Hmmn...

I'd actually take Nondetection and Gaseous Form; taking Dispel Magic @ 6th level. Because I like getting into places I shouldn't be and I'm a paranoid wreck when it comes to being divined. :)

I would also be aiming to be able to CAST in gaseous form, which means Still Spell, Silent Spell, and Eschew Materials are must-haves. If you have some of these, take one you don't. If you have none, start with Still Spell so that when you dip into rogue you can use armor without giving up casting. Not that I have a definite build in mind or anything...

I'm also a fan of Extend Spell, if you're not willing to follow me into the Cult of Mistborne Madness...

[Axebeard]

Top-tier 3rd-level spells:

Haste
Slow
Dispel Magic
Aqueous Orb
Stinking Cloud

Consider spell focus conjuration or transmutation, and for your 5th level bonus feat consider an item crafting feat or persistent spell. Persistent Glitterdust is a worthy 4th level spell, especially if you slap spell focus (conjuration) on there.

Spell focus (conjuration) works with glitterdust, aqueous orb, stinking cloud, grease, and the pit spells, all of which are great.

Spell focus (transmutation) is not as good, but works with slow, baleful polymorph, and flesh to stone.

Picking up a metamagic feat at 5 instead of item crafting will make qualifying for spell perfection at 15 easier. A good spell perfection spell that will be effective without making the party obsolete is Slow: Start off with an echoing persistent slow in a 5th slot and follow with a quickened persistent slow in that same slot. (Apply echoing the first time, quickened the second time.) That's 4 saving throws every enemy has to make to not be slowed, and it lets your party do all the killing.

[Alitan]

Axebeard, remind me to recruit you into Aspis Consortium Organized Play... you're to dangerous to be on the other side,

[Aretas]

Thanks guys & Axe beard.

So far I have Toughness, Combat casting and Spell penetration.

I usually hit with Shocking Grasp, use spectral hand, and try to hit with a Ghoul touch when away from the party. I always have Mage armor on (its a drag b/c I waste a 1st level spell for some AC)
I like getting into melee!

[Mergy]

Third level, is that the one with explosive runes? :D

[Aretas]

Mergy wrote:

Third level, is that the one with explosive runes? :D

Yes sir. 3rd level spell. What do you have in mind?

[Mergy]

You're an abjuration specialist and you're at the level with explosive runes. Make a hundred paper airplanes.

[Sangalor]

I guess he refers to the old "trick" to
1. Create lots of explosive runes
2. Hide them somewhere as trap, or bring them to someone via unseen servant or mage hand
3. Cast erase or dispel magic at them and fail intentionally.
The scrolls explode, each with a 6d6, reflex for half, damage. Enough of them and you kill parties, bring down structures etc. :-)

[Aretas]

I like it! What if you have a very crafty DM? Any ideas?

[Mergy]

Well that's just one ridiculous possibility from explosive runes. Other ones involve delivering messages, putting them on doors, making a fake spellbook, etc.

[Aretas]

Sangalor wrote:

I guess he refers to the old "trick" to

1. Create lots of explosive runes
2. Hide them somewhere as trap, or bring them to someone via unseen servant or mage hand
3. Cast erase or dispel magic at them and fail intentionally.
The scrolls explode, each with a 6d6, reflex for half, damage. Enough of them and you kill parties, bring down structures etc. :-)

Even more Bard-ass is that the reader does not get a save! FULL DMG!

6d6 damage for all those within 5ft I guess, reflex for half?

[Corlindale]

Sleet Storm can be pretty powerful too. Hits a huge area, blocks vision and slows/stops enemies. Good for control, especially against enemies with poor Acrobatics checks.

Haste is also solid, though, and a good battle-opener for almost any occasion.

[Alitan]

And, oh, yeah...

Illusory Script.

This little gem is WONDERFUL. Just implant the suggestion, "This piece of documentation is EXACTLY what the person who handed it to you SAYS it is."

"I have an order for a prisoner release..."

"I have a draft on the treasury..."

Etc., etc.