Making the Most of Caster Level 20

[Rashagar]

So I'm toying with a character concept at the moment and looking for some help from people who know high-level magic a bit better than I do.

At mid levels, what spells would benefit most from being able to be cast at CL 20?

So far I've found Battering Blast and Chain Lightning as damage options, but does a high caster level have much benefit outside of extra d6's?

Similarly, if you could pick a single spell of up to 8th level to be able to cast at mid levels, which one would you pick? Would you go for one that benefits most from this caster level increase or pick one that it doesn't matter much for?

Found a similar thread
here
but it left me wanting.

[Joanna Swiftblade]

Frightful aspect: Enemies who hit you become panicked.

Greater shadow evocation: Any 7th level or lower evocation spell is at your disposal. Incredibly versatile.

Form of dragon III: Because f*ck you, I'm a dragon.

Maze: No save, takes enemies out of the fight for at least two-five rounds (depending on int).

Power word stun: at mid levels you'll be hard pressed to find something with more that 150 HP. Cast for at least 1d4 rounds of win.

Limited wish: If your GM isn't NE and twists wishes on a whim.

[Rashagar]

Thanks for the suggestions. =)

I'd never seen frightful aspect before, that's really cool!

Greater Shadow Evocation could be a nice way to get both battering blast and chain lightning, as well as however many other options, all in one spell, thanks!

I don't think I'd go for limited wish, I don't trust my own sub-clause creating capabilities hehe.

Anyone have any more thoughts/suggestions?

[Anzyr]

Assuming you have a Caster Level of 20 before you are 20, the "Word" spells are simply astounding. Holy Word/Dictum/Word of Chaos/Blasphemy all profit from having a higher Caster Level than the HD of your opponents, with Caster Level = HD +5 being a solid way to get a no save just suck (and very soon after die) spell. Gifted Adept, Bead of Karma, Death Knell, Orange Ioun Stone are all good adds to help you get you there.

[Kurthnaga]

As boring as it is, summoning multiple Greater Elementals or one Elder or a Hezrou or 1d3 T-Rexs is pretty fantastic. Summon Monster 8 is a powerhouse at a lot of levels.

Mass Charm Monster does not seem like the worst thing ever, and is a pretty godlike and domineering ability to have.

Horrid Wilting seems like another blasting option.

The "___ Hand" line of spells are pretty much the extent of telekinetic power.

[Tin Foil Yamakah]

I like to have an SM in my highest slot for my spellcasters so that would be my #1

I also like maze, powerword spells no save = win

[Corlindale]

Control Winds is a pretty nice control spell that keeps scaling with CL for a long time for its level.

Some uses of Telekinesis keep scaling with CL, like the combat maneuver one. Similar spells that give you a virtual CMB score based on caster level also work. Drawback is that the effect is usually not *that* overwhelming.

[Scrogz]

I simply look at the spells and find anything that says "Save: None" and start there. My strategy would begin and end with no save spells.

If you can create the time, summoning spells, especially MS 8, are real nice.

[Rashagar]

Thanks again everyone.

Anzyr: I see what you mean, the Holy Word etc spells are quite ridiculous. Definitely deserves to be added to my list. Wrestling with the current character flavour to see if I can justify adding it. =D

Got me looking at more cleric spells too, and Spell Resistance seems like the kind of spell I'd feel quite guilty about having on vs. lower Caster Level opponents. SR 32?? Yikes.

Colindale: Much love for mentioning Control Winds, I'd completely forgotten about it, thanks!

I generally avoid summons due to the added book keeping, but... *adds to list* Giant Elementals are just too tempting.