So I posted a little earlier today about making a Bard (Archaeologist) and now I'm having second thoughts. My original idea was to make a character similar to a mix of Howl (from Howl's Moving Castle) and Johnathan Strange (from Johnathan Strange & Mr. Norrell). That being the case my original idea was a Wizard that could also function as the party face making my most likely choice an Enchanter of some kind. Eventually I thought a Bard could work as they add half their level to their Knowledge skills and I wanted my character to kind of be a Knowledge fiend (my characters goal in game is to become an information broker).
Anyway, after thinking more I'm debating on doing an Enchanter again (I'd probably have a lot of Illusion and Transmutation spells as well, and a sprinkling of Conjuration). So I was wondering if anyone had any input on a good way to do this, it's been a long time since I've played a full caster. Come to think of it, I don't think I've played 1 in Pathfinder actually other than when I've DM'd (and that's slightly different). Anyway, I'm probably doing a Gnome and I rolled the following stats: 10, 14, 14, 14, 15, 18. The 18 would of course be put in Intelligence and I could either throw the 15 or a 14 in Charisma and then the rest can go wherever really. After that I'm kind of at a loss. Do I take a familiar or a bonded item? Do I play the standard Enchanter or do I pick the Controller or Manipulator? Do I even play an Enchanter?
Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advanced.
Heya Felgoroth!
Now, don't take my words to heart since I'm somewhat new myself, buuuut...
Going with a Gnome is amazingly good for an Illusionist primarily for the Threatening Illusion Metamagic Feat.
Being able to cause flanking with illusions for your allies is an extremely powerful tool in combat compared to the usual illusion magic, often a tool used prior or out of combat.
I'm personally a fan of familiar's myself. One of the interesting things that familiar's have over bonded items is at familiar level 3, you can transfer touch spells to him to pass onto someone or something else. Example: My team's witch could give a heal spell to his raven to then pass it to one of the far away allies that need healing. In addition to this, although it is hotly debated and I would suggest asking your GM if he would allow it first, is the possibility of having your familiar be able to use magical devices.
As for Enchanter, Controller, or Manipulator, I'm not sure myself. I would say choose what you believe would best benefit your team if you have a decent idea of what your campaign may be like. On another note, specializing in a school completely can be powerful, but NEVER toss all your eggs into one basket. There are going to be times when you can't use enchantment magic. Most enchantment magic are based on mind tricks and illusions, and certain things, such as constructs and potentially some undead, cannot be effected by such things.
Hope this helps a little.