The Iron mage Challenge

[Zotpox]

The Zotpox Iron mage Challenge

To play a Wizard form 1st level to 6th with not a single spell cast.

You have to rely on your high intelligence and low cunning to survive. Forethought, preplanning, preparedness, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to survive are the hallmarks of the iron mage.

The idea for this challenge springs from my experience with an AD&D wizard whose spell book was destroyed on his first adventure and lacked the funds for either training or a new book until reaching level six.

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

So basically you're a fighter with an int bonus and really crappy BAB and HP?

edit: I'd recommend an elven wizard with a bow and Dex bonus.

[Zotpox]

The point is the forced adaptation and the resulting player develpoement to a tough enviroment.

[Tiny Coffee Golem]

In that cast elven wizard with a bow. Play him as an archer. Soak up the XP the party generates until you make it to level six. profit.

[Cheeseweasel]

This isn't a challenge, this is a penance for some horrible sin in a past campaign.

[Rynjin]

Cheeseweasel wrote:

This isn't a challenge, this is a penance for some horrible sin in a past campaign.

A sin that the entire party committed, at that, since he's punishing the entire party with his ultra-gimp.

[Cheeseweasel]

I wouldn't keep playing a Wizard through that many levels with no book. I'd take rogue levels so I could steal a replacement or enough cash therefor.

I mean, kudos for sticking it out, but, uh, that wouldn't be enough fun for me to show up to a game for... maybe that makes me one of the player entitlement crowd.

>shudders in sympathy<

[Kazaan]

So, basically, you start at level 1 all spec'ed out to be a wizard... but your spellbook suddenly gets nuked and subsequent levels you re-spec to be an Int-based non-spellcaster. So you'll start with Wiz-type starting stats, race, feat(s), and traits at char creation, then go for non-magic progression from lvls 2-6. So, presuming 15 point buy, I'd go with the following:

Elf
Trade Weapon Familiarity for Arcane Focus

Str: 11 (-1)
Dex: 12 (-2)
Con: 13 (-3)
Int: 16 (-10)
Wis: 10
Cha: 9 (+1)

With racial modifiers, becomes
Str: 11 (0)
Dex: 14 (+2)
Con: 11 (+0)
Int: 18 (+4)
Wis: 10 (0)
Cha: 9 (-1)

Just for S&G, lets take the Shadowcaster archetype for flavor (was intending from the start to be a caster, after all, before he lost his spellbook.

Languages: Elven, Common, Draconic, Celestial, Sylvan, Gnome, Shadowtongue
Feats: Toughness (+3 starting HP, +1 per HD after 3), Scribe Scroll
Starting HP: 10 (6 base, +1 Favored Class, +3 Toughness)
Starting Skill Points: 6
Perception 1 (1sp)
Spellcraft 8 (1sp + 3cs + 4int)
Knowledge(arcana) 8 (1sp + 3cs + 4int)
Stealth 3 (1sp + 2dex)
Appraise 8 (1sp + 3cs + 4int)
Linguistics 8 (1sp +3cs + 4int) learn "lipreading"
Encumbrance: Light <= 38, Med 39-76, Heavy 77-115

Starting gear (assuming average 70 starting wealth:
Wizard's Kit 21 lbs, 21gp
Traveler's Outfit 5 lbs, free starting clothes
Dagger x2 2 lbs, 4gp
Shortbow 2 lbs, 30gp
Arrows (20), 3 lb, 1gp
Remaining coins: 14 gp <1 lb
Encumbrance: 33/38 lbs

Feat advancement:
Lvl 3) Alertness
Lvl 5) Point-Blank Shot

Basic concept would be to start picking up Archery around lvl 3-4 or so. Continue training Knowledge Arcana in expectation of regaining your spellcasting, but put points into something like diplomacy or intimidate so you can talk your way out of situations if need be. Alternatively, go the Kirin Style route. This can work well in conjunction with Nightmare Fist or Moonlight Stalker routes. Take a level of Unarmed Fighter at lvl 7 to get IUS and Kirin Style and take Combat Expertise at lvl 5. Put your lvl 4 stat increase into Dex if you're going Archery or into Cha if you're going for Nightmare/Moonlight route. If sticking with Archery, eventually round out your Str to 12 and grab a composite bow for an extra point of damage and a little boost to carrying capacity. Pick up weapon finesse if you're going for Kirin style (possibly as a second level of fighter).