Hi,
after a few op exercise threads I was talked around to A crossblooded Sorc1/Evoker 19 as to being THE BEST blaster.
I'm trying to make one with 2 features.
Fireball is Obviously the Staple Blast so I wanna mostly focus on that.
Burning Arc is my spell of Choice for NOT HITTING allies when they get in the way.
Human
Ability Scores:
STR 8
DEX 16
CON 12
INT 19 (24)
WIS 8
CHA 11
Favored Class: Wizard use hit point option level
Traits: Wayang Spellhunter (Burning Arc), Magical Lineage (Fireball)
Orc/Draconic Sorc1 Orc Subtype, +1 Damage, Touch of Rage, Eschew Materials, Claws, +1 Electric Spells, Spell Focus: Evocation, Spell Specialisation
Wiz1 Familiar, Evoker, Scribe Scroll, Intense Spells, Versatile Evocation
Wiz2 Varisian Tattoo
Wiz3
Wiz4 Intensify Spell
Wiz5 Heighten Spell
Wiz6 Preffered Spell (Fireball)
Wiz7
Wiz8 Elemental Manipulation, Empower Spell
Wiz9
Wiz10 Dazing Spell, Improved Familiar
Wiz11
Wiz12 Quicken Spell
Wiz13
Wiz14 Spell Perfection (Fireball)
Wiz15 Maximise Spell
Wiz16 Spell Penetration
Wiz17
Wiz18 Gtr Spell Penetration
Wiz19
So. This dude uses Spl Special/Varisian Tatoo to Cast Burning Arc as his Blast of Choice at low levels.
By Level 6 (wiz5) this is:
CL5+3(feats)= 8d6(ave 28)+16(Bloodlines)+2(Intense Spells) so (28+18)x1.5= 69 damage at the Primary Target then arching to others. Seems awesome IF I am correct.
At level 10(wiz9)Empowerd, Intensified fireball (5th level slot-trait) comes online and is the go to blast unless allies are at risk.
At level 8
CL8+3(Feats))= 11d6(ave 38.5)+22(Bloodlines)+4(Intense Spells)Then empowered,
(38.5+26)x1.5= 96damage to all targets in the fireball at level 10.
Correct.
If so hope My build is close to finished.
Now I chose Heighten/Preffered spell over Gtr Spl Special because
1.The are alot of nice save of sucks that benefit from Heighten. Blasting is this guy's Main trick, not his ONLY one.
2. Preffered lets me add Metamagics to fireball without taking a full round action.
Opinions?
Anything I can do Better?
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I'm not 100% sure that Magical Lineage and Wayang Spellhunter will stack (it certainly seems like that would be reasonable call by a GM either way).
Benefit: When you use the chosen spell with a metamagic feat, it uses up a spell slot one level lower than it normally would.
Benefit: Pick one spell when you choose this trait. When you apply metamagic feats to this spell, treat its actual level as 1 lower for determining the spell’s final adjusted level.
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I can't think of any reason they wouldn't stack. They aren't bonuses.
At least STR Ranger isn't trying to pull the "I can cast 0-level merciful burning arc all day" cheese.
The only restriction is you can't have 2 traits from.the same group.
Magical Lineage is Magic trait
Wayang is Regonal.
My wizard will be tian.
(I'm not stacking them anyway. One is for Burning Ray, the other is for fireball)
I can't think of any reason they wouldn't stack. They aren't bonuses.
At least STR Ranger isn't trying to pull the "I can cast 0-level merciful burning arc all day" cheese.
Someone actually tried that???
Preffered lets me add Metamagics to fireball without taking a full round action.
True but if you quicken them you won't have that problem. Empowered + quickened is still only a swift action. So a pure Sorcerer might not be a bad option.
If you use a lot of rods then quick draw isn't a bad feat.
Straight sorcerer with arcane bloodline makes a great save or Daze type build.
Straight crossblooded doesn't get fireball till level 7. I am not prepared to wait that long.
Straight sorcerer with arcane bloodline makes a great save or Daze type build.
Straight crossblooded doesn't get fireball till level 7. I am not prepared to wait that long.
But with this build you still don't get it until level 6 and you loose one caster level.
But with this build you still don't get it until level 6 and you loose one caster level.Straight sorcerer with arcane bloodline makes a great save or Daze type build.
Straight crossblooded doesn't get fireball till level 7. I am not prepared to wait that long.
You can take the first level in sorcerer at level 20
Minor nitpick for your Empowered damage math: You don't multiply the bonus damage from Intense Spells (refer to the class feature description) by Empower. I mean, it's ultimately a small difference (less than 5), just noting it.
I am not sure why you mention metamagic casting time -- that only applies to whatever 1st level spells your sorcerer level grants you.
I think save DCs are going to be an issue. Not that the DCs are really bad or anything, but enemies save, and that will reduce your practical damage output. Sometimes you'll be able to heighten instead of Empowering or Intensifying, but that type of exact planning is not always possible. Maybe get Greater Spell Focus instead of Improved Familiar?
Unfortunately, I can't offer much advice, but hopefully this post helps a little. I hope it works out for you.
You can take the first level in sorcerer at level 20But with this build you still don't get it until level 6 and you loose one caster level.Straight sorcerer with arcane bloodline makes a great save or Daze type build.
Straight crossblooded doesn't get fireball till level 7. I am not prepared to wait that long.
So wait 20 level to pick spell focus evocation.
@STR Ranger: If this is just a theoratical built on presenting a caster that starts at level 20 I can't really be of any help.
Stazamos has an important point DC will be a problem and 3rd level spells is still a 3rd level spell when you use meta magic. Hightened spell is obviously the exeption. Minor globe a stuff like that will make fireball useless.
You should focus on more spells that just fireball.
edit:
And I'm not sure your use of traits are legit.
But with this build you still don't get it until level 6 and you loose one caster level.Straight sorcerer with arcane bloodline makes a great save or Daze type build.
Straight crossblooded doesn't get fireball till level 7. I am not prepared to wait that long.
To me at least, Level 6 instead of 7 is a decent trade.
This is not a theory build. I intend to play it.
Now:
I am not sure why you mention metamagic casting time -- that only applies to whatever 1st level spells your sorcerer level grants you.
I mention it because once I get Preffered Spell (Fireball) I WILL NEVER prep it. I can cast it spontaneously, as needed from any slot, with any metamagic feats I want WITHOUT INCREASING casting time.
That's why I picked preffered spell. Normally applying metamagic to spontaneous spells is a full round action.Energy Resistance is not an issue either Since I'll be using Versatile Evocation to match it to my draconic bloodline. I'm thinking ACID, as it's the least resisted element.
I think save DCs are going to be an issue. Not that the DCs are really bad or anything, but enemies save, and that will reduce your practical damage output. Sometimes you'll be able to heighten instead of Empowering or Intensifying, but that type of exact planning is not always possible. Maybe get Greater Spell Focus instead of Improved Familiar?
That does concern me. Fireball targets a weak save which is nice (good for Dazing Fireballs as well) but once enemies start saving I'll have to heighten on the fly to keep the DC up. Spell Perfection WIll auto double the Bonus from Spell Focus at 15 as well.
I don't want to, but may give up Improved Familiar. I wanted a Dust Mephit or something for wand useage but I guess I could just Polymorph My Raven into something else?Or should I drop varisian tattoo?
An Intensified Fireball Caps at 15d6+30(Bloodlines) so once I hit that limit (Level 16 with this build), Varisian tattoo will do nothing. It's only 1d6+2 damage.
SO, Varisian Tattoo? or Imp Familiar? which to swap for Gtr Spell Focus.
Maybe both? I could take Gtr Spell focus at 3
Quicken at 11 (instead of Imp Familiar)
and Preferred Spell (Chain Lighting) at 13?
You should focus on more spells that just fireball.
Fireball will be my go to blast. The dude is a Wizard so he'll prep spells like normal, flesh to stone and utility stuff etc. It's just he can spontaneously nuke you.
What are you using to cast Fireball spontaneously? (Forgive me if it's obvious, but I don't see anything, I might just be failing at reading today).
Read Preffered Spell
Benefit: Choose one spell which you have the ability to cast. You can cast that spell spontaneously by sacrificing a prepared spell or spell slot of equal or higher level. You can apply any metamagic feats you possess to this spell when you cast it. This increases the minimum level of the prepared spell or spell slot you must sacrifice in order to cast it but it does not affect the casting time.
What about Unseen Servant for holding your wands... Assuming that's what you meant with improved familiar.
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This is not a theory build. I intend to play it.
OK.
So why not just play a straight sorc? Drop the crossblooded part.If you actually are going to play this dude the you need to take Spell Penetration earlier. Remember that you can use a rods instead of picking all the meta magic feats.
The use of traits: Talk to your DM. If I were the DM I would say your use isn't legit. Even if not stated in the text(s): "Pick one spell" should refer to your class list. If your start as a Sorc then it is a spell on the sorcerer list. Same goes for Spell Specialisation. Again, If your DM is cool with it then all is fine.
Extra traits might be a good feat if your DM lets you pick "Lore Seeker" (According to the APG you can rewrite the fluff). Lore Seeker is just fantastic.
Lore Seeker: [...] You gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (arcana) checks, and Knowledge
(arcana) is a class skill for you. If you cast arcane spells, pick three spells on your spell list. You are particularly adept at casting these spells, so they function at +1 caster level when you cast them, and their save DCs (if any) gain a +1 bonus.
Spell Perfection Will not only auto double the Bonus from Spell Focus, but also auto double the Bonus from Lore Seeker. Lore Seeker is much better than varisian tattoo. +1 CL and +1 DC and applies to 3 spells. Fireball, Burning Arc and a third one, perhaps Chain lightning or something like Glitterdust.
Targeting a weak save? I'm not so sure.
Edit:
At lower levels you will usually fight foes with class levels, undeads, animals, Magical Beasts, Vermin, etc. Undeads usually have weak reflex saves, but Animals and the others usually have good reflex saves.
And foes with class leveles? Classes like Rangers, Rogues, Monks, etc have good reflex saves and some of them also have evasion. Alchemists are also getting more common as villans and they too have good reflex saves.
At higher levels Dragons, Evil Outsiders, Undeads or Spell casters will usually be involved in fights at least in most boss fights. Most of them will have SR or/and energy Resistance or/and good reflex saves.
I would drop both Varisian Tattoo and Imp Familiar?. At least Varisian Tattoo.
Pick extra trait if your DM lets you pick Lore Seeker (and some other good traits, like one than boost your initiative or fortitude saves), if not pick Gr. Spell focus later. If you need spell penetration at least at level 7 or 9 and you need to boost that DC.
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ill take your crossblooded sorcerer/evoker and put it up against my heavens oracle/shadow illusionist anyday. depending on campaign i could take a 1 level dip in sorcere on top of my oracle dip to garner a crossblooded ability allowing me to effect undead and almost any other creatures you come across in your specific campaign. stun/sleep/facinate is so much more fun than pew pew.
but most people hate the idea of dipping sorc and oracle just to treat them as batteries for my wizards illusions. i keep the sorc and oracle spells full of color sprays for fun in town.
but if you want to play a cannon that can destroy all then i think you have a pretty good grouping here. might i suggest cold damage instead of acid. it seems that the things that are immune to cold are weak to fire. leaving fireball as your strong spell against everything. then take crossblooded dragon/elemental you lose a little damage but can now change any spell to cold to match your draconic and get your damage dice. also i like rime spell as a metamagic.
if you are justs trying to top the charts of "possible damage" you have done a good job if you wish to make a character that can handle other situations do my crossblooded idea and take a rod of piercing spell.
main problems with a nuker focusing on pure evocation spells.
1. spell resistance
2. elemental resistance
3. elemental immunity
4. evasion/ improved.
5. save for 1/2 damage.
so we take all the feats to increase these that we can. if your dm allows 3.5 materials look at frostburn and sandstorm for feats to get past resistance and immunity. if not just swap from cold to fire and back. and use piercing spell to bypass sr on trouble creatures.
man, this is why i LOVE these boards.
Varisian Tattoo is out. The build goes Wiz1/Sorc1/Wiz2
My stating traits are:
Magical Lineage (Fireball), Wayang Spellhunter (Burning Arc)
3rd level Feat is Extra Traits-
Loreseeker, Purity of Faith
Imp Familiar was actually so the Nosoi or Cassian could CAST from tje wands for me.
I'll need that rod of Piercing Spell.
Awsome ideas. Thanks guys.
man, this is why i LOVE these boards.
Varisian Tattoo is out. The build goes Wiz1/Sorc1/Wiz2
My stating traits are:
Magical Lineage (Fireball), Wayang Spellhunter (Burning Arc)3rd level Feat is Extra Traits-
Loreseeker, Purity of FaithImp Familiar was actually so the Nosoi or Cassian could CAST from tje wands for me.
I'll need that rod of Piercing Spell.
Awsome ideas. Thanks guys.
Glad to be of help.
You should probably pick Extra Trait at level 1 since traits are gain at level 1 (and your DM might think it must be picked at level 1), also you won't have any use of Spell Specialization at level 1.
Will saves are your good saves so a trait that boost fortitude saves might be better in the long run. Especially with con 12.
You could drop dex to 14 and boost con. You AC will suck regardless at lower levels and eventually you dex 14 or 16 won't matter when you got stuff like mirror image, stoneskin, etc. If they hit you when you got your protective spells up they will hit you regardless of dex 14 or 16.
I'm playing a battle sorcerer in a game currently, so this thread has been useful. One thing, though: Spell Perfection explicitly states any set numerical bonuses from feats are doubled. So the bonus from Loreseeker (as a trait) might be out -- I'd consult your GM before taking it.
I'm playing a battle sorcerer in a game currently, so this thread has been useful. One thing, though: Spell Perfection explicitly states any set numerical bonuses from feats are doubled. So the bonus from Loreseeker (as a trait) might be out -- I'd consult your GM before taking it.
Loreseeker is still a rock solid trait.
This is not a theory build. I intend to play it.
OK.
So why not just play a straight sorc? Drop the crossblooded part.If you actually are going to play this dude the you need to take Spell Penetration earlier. Remember that you can use a rods instead of picking all the meta magic feats.
The use of traits: Talk to your DM. If I were the DM I would say your use isn't legit. Even if not stated in the text(s): "Pick one spell" should refer to your class list. If your start as a Sorc then it is a spell on the sorcerer list. Same goes for Spell Specialisation. Again, If your DM is cool with it then all is fine.
Extra traits might be a good feat if your DM lets you pick "Lore Seeker" (According to the APG you can rewrite the fluff). Lore Seeker is just fantastic.
Lore Seeker: [...] You gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (arcana) checks, and Knowledge
(arcana) is a class skill for you. If you cast arcane spells, pick three spells on your spell list. You are particularly adept at casting these spells, so they function at +1 caster level when you cast them, and their save DCs (if any) gain a +1 bonus.Spell Perfection Will not only auto double the Bonus from Spell Focus, but also auto double the Bonus from Lore Seeker. Lore Seeker is much better than varisian tattoo. +1 CL and +1 DC and applies to 3 spells. Fireball, Burning Arc and a third one, perhaps Chain lightning or something like Glitterdust.
Targeting a weak save? I'm not so sure.
Edit:
At lower levels you will usually fight foes with class levels, undeads, animals, Magical Beasts, Vermin, etc. Undeads usually have weak reflex saves, but Animals and the others usually have good reflex saves.
And foes with class leveles? Classes like Rangers, Rogues, Monks, etc have good reflex saves and some of them also have evasion. Alchemists are also getting more common as villans and they too have good reflex saves.At higher levels Dragons, Evil Outsiders, Undeads or Spell casters will usually be involved...
So with the Release of the ARG now ELVES can select spont casting spells for swapping out thier arcane bond.
That's cool cause my 1 level dip for crossblooded Tattooed sorcerer gets a familiar and it stacks with wizard levels.
Would this be better? I don't think I'd need Heighten and Preffered Spell, cause the racial swaplets me pick heaps of preffered spells.
Does this work?
I suppose then I should pick up spell pen(stacks with elf).
Ideas?
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Slight thread necro here, but with the addition of the Advanced Class Guide, I feel there are additional options to make this style of Blaster more viable.
Human
Ability Scores:
STR 7 (Dump)
DEX 12 (help a little with Ranged Touch, AC is next to worthless IMO)
CON 14 (more hp, increased death threshold, increased time to drown)
INT 20 (max it to the hilt!)
WIS 8 (with crossblooded your will save will suck anyway, may as well go with it)
CHA 12 (helps with UMD, and a bonus spell per day is nice)
Favored Class: Wizard use hit point option level
Traits: Reactionary (+2 Initiative), Magical Lineage (Fireball)
Initiative: +11 (+2 Trait, +4 Improved Initiative, +4 Familiar, +1 Dex)
Wiz1 Familiar (greensting scorpion), Evoker (admixture specialist; Opposed - Enchant/Necro), Scribe Scroll, Intense Spells, Versatile Evocation, Spell Focus (Evocation), Mage's Tattoo (Evocation)
Orc/Draconic (Red) Sorc1 Orc Subtype, +1 Damage/die, Touch of Rage, Claws, +1 Fire Spells/die, Eschew Materials
Wiz2 Spell Specialization (Burning Hands -> Fireball)
Wiz3
Wiz4 Improved Initiative
Wiz5 Intensified Spell
Wiz6 Greater Spell Specialization (Fireball)
Wiz7
Wiz8 Empower Spell
Wiz9
Wiz10 Dazing Spell (Ectoplasmic would be good too), Greater Spell Focus (Evocation)
Wiz11
Wiz12 Heighten Spell
Wiz13
Wiz14 Spell Perfection (Fireball)
Wiz15 Persistent Spell
Wiz16 Spell Penetration
Wiz17
Wiz18 Greater Spell Penetration
Wiz19
Sorcerer Spells: 0 level - Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Disrupt Undead (since necro is opposed, nice to have) 1st - Heightened Awareness (used correctly will raise initiative to +15, 4/day)
Highlights:
1) High Initiative, almost always have the option to go first
2) High Damage potential early, have access to the meat of the build by lvl 11
3) Still fulfil duties as buffer/controller, always have something useful to do each round in addition to blasting
Further Assumptions:
1) gaining access to scrolls to round out utility
2) gaining access to certain metamagic rods to further empower blasts (maximize, quicken)
3) gaining access to headband of intelligence +4 or better, pearls of power and possibly a ring of wizardry (3 or 4)
Notes:
1) If using for PFS, you can advance most of the feats by 1 step since you get Spell Focus instead of Scribe Scroll.
I can find no record of Elemental Manipulation as a feat or arcane discovery. Is this 3rd party? or 3.x?
Elemental Manipulation is an evoker ability.
Man, the stuff I have thought of myself but never got to play...
First of all, take the Loremaster prestige. You already qualify for it, and you don't lose much for what you gain.
Switch out draconic for arcane for the +1 dc to most your blasts.
Take both traits for fireball, flaming arc can be left alone.
Maybe rime spell?
Depending on what level you start, lose spell specialization, since you won't be going over 15 d6, or do the whole shebang (spell perfection, the traits and so) on a different spell with a higher limit.
The Creative Destruction discovery is amazing.
I think that's it. Oh, and pump int to max since you need to compensate for the dip to sorc.
