I am running Carrion Crown for a friend, since he really likes pathfinder, but we cannot seem to get a group going. For his benefit, I am playing with just him, so we can play whenever he's over. He decided he wants to build a Wizard. I need help with that. Neither have much experience with that class. Since it's just him, he's going to start at a higher level. I'm thinking 5. Thank you for your contributions.
Bump
There's no need to start him off at a higher level. Won't really solve any balance issues, as far as I can tell. What he needs is allies.
So, give him some cohorts. Carrion Crown starts off with a funeral. Usually the PCs meet at this point and begin the adventure. So, just roll up some NPCs to fill the place of the absentee PCs. He'll be wanting a bodyguard (fighter) and a healer (cleric).
Since he's the "hero," I'd recommend granting him extra class skills. He needs Perception, as well as social skills. He is essentially the "face" of the party, as you're not going to want to roleplay with yourself. Thus, you're going to want to give him Diplomacy and Sense Motive, at the very least.
For his role, he's going to want to focus on control and utility, as wizards aren't generally very good at damage dealing. For his arcane school specialization, I'd recommend conjuration.
He should prepare spells that:
- improve his allies' capabilities (enlarge person, bull's stength, haste, etc.)
- render his enemies unable to act, or otherwise hinder their capabilities (color spray, slow, stinking cloud, etc.)
- summon additional allies (summon monster I-IX, etc.)
I'd also recommend adding additional treasure specifically designed for him. Scrolls, wands, rods, and the like.
Finally, you should consider giving him unique magical items, like a Wand of Magic Missile that begins each day with 10 charges (like a staff), recharging after 24 hours.
I second the cohort idea. When stuff starts to turn nasty after the first week or so he's going to want somebody to hide his squishy Wizard butt behind ASAP.
|
I'll third the option for letting him start with a companion. Make it an inquisitor, built for combat. Then it's like having a fighter and cleric rolled into one. Provide him with a wand for healing and you're all set.
I'd advise having them start at second level rather than level 5 as you suggested above. Level 5 is way above the curve for the majority of that first scenario.
With only two characters, you'll need to drop the difficulty of multiple opponent combats.
The big thing is action economy. With two characters, the party gets two actions per round. With a single level 5 character, you still only get 1 action before the baddies pounce all over you.
Be careful using baddies that can lock down the PCs. With 4 or 5 players, lock down tactics are fine. With one or two, then a lock down spell or ability means TPK.
Cheers.
He wants to be a wizard, and I am planning on giving him an NPC. But there really isn't much of a way to avoid the battle economics issue of not having a full party. Battle shouldn't take as long though.
Turned out to be playing an Alchemist. We already got everything figured out. Thanks though.
Alrighty then. Have fun!