Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could make a list of spells 0-9th level that allow you to do different things with the same spell, to allow spontaneous spellcasters to do something different with just 1 spell. Keep in mind that the spell must allow you to do different things with one spell, so protection from energy is kind of out since while it lets you get resistance to many types, its still just resistance. Here are some of my choices, but feel free to add more and why if able.
From 1st level to 9th level = I would put summoning since while you only summon something, those summons usually have different abilities on their own.
1st level
I would say grease, since you can basically do 3 things with the same spell,a well designed spell and choice for spontaneous spellcasters.
2nd level
I like the spell animal aspect (ultimate combat), i lets you move a bit faster, climb, or swim better, plus a few more other things.
From here out, I don't know what else fills the bill, so this is where you guys come up ;)
0 level prestidigitation is supposed to be really good, but I don't have any experience with it personally.
Telekinesis
Are you limited to PF spells? if 3.5 is allowed it changes a lot of things.
Demi Shadow Magic and SHadow Magic replace all your evoc needs.
==Aelryinth
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The true illusion spells are great for this sort of thing. Start with Ghost Sound at level 0 and Silent Image at level 1, and go from there.
Unseen servant can be used to carry stuff, set off traps, dig through your backpack for that potion you need while you're doing other things, etc.
Dancing Lights is both a light source and a fun way to scare superstitious goblins, though I doubt the DM will let you get away with that one more than once.
For that matter, besides its obvious use as a light source, Light can also be used to create a diversion. Cast it on an arrow and have the archer fire it a few hundred feet in the opposite direction of where you're going, so those orcs that have you outnumbered 10 to 1 will look for you in the wrong place. Speaking of uses for Light, does the old first edition trick of casting it in someone's eyes to blind them still work? Somehow I doubt it would be a cantrip if you could still do that.
This isn't exactly what you asked, but here's a link to somebody's "best sorcerer spells" list, which is based on what spontaneous casters get the most use out of. While some of these spells only have one use, they're very useful to have for a spontaneous caster, so I figure it's worth it for anyone asking your question to have that link.
There are also a couple that might qualify for versatility, even though they really do only one thing, but that one thing can be applied several ways. For instance, invisibility can be used to give the party rogue more sneak attacks, keep yourself from getting attacked while casting (use spells that don't directly attack anyone and you can cast all you want while remaining invisible), and it's obviously also useful for non-combat espionage.
As mentioned recently in another thread, Expeditious Excavation can be used both offensively and defensively. It's most obvious use is to trip opponents, and even if they make the reflex save, they're still forced to reposition themselves, so it's a great way to break up the enemy rogues who are flanking your melee allies. Defensively, the same spell can be used to create a foxhole that a caster or archer can use for cover while firing at the enemy. Or it can be used to speed up mundane digging, such as busting through a wall in an underground cavern.
I've been reading up on arcane casters lately, while planning a sorcerer, so this is what I came up with off the top of my head. I'm sure I'll think of more later, after perusing the spell lists.