I normally GM, but a friend is going to be running a game in January (Reign of Winter AP), so I actually get to play (it has been a long time). I'd appreciate some advice regarding general optimization with an Exploiter Archetype wizard. For the record, I'm optimizing because she expects it of us and requested it. I normally go for a more moderate approach.
The basic run down of what I have so far is as follows:
Spells: I'm very familiar with good spell choices, so no need for listing here. Many of my spells focus on the concept (primary & secondary to prevent damage), but I also added in some backups like Life Pact & Infernal Healing since we have no dedicated healer.
Basics
- Concept: Blaster (Primary), Control (Secondary).
- Traits: Magical Lineage (Fireball); Reactionary.
- Skill Points: 7/level: Perception, Knowledge (arcana), Use Magic Device, Fly, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, Perform (RP purposes).
- Languages: Varisan, Chelaxian (Common), Skald, Vishkkanya, Draconic
- Favored Class Bonus: +1 Hit Point (Wizard).
- Race: Human; Ability Scores: STR: 10 DEX: 14 CON: 12 INT: 19 WIS: 10 CHA: 14
Planned Feat/Exploit Progression
- 1st-Level: spell focus (evocation), varisian tattoo (evocation HBF), arcane reservoir, exploit (potent magic)
- 3rd-Level: spell specialization (burning hands - change to fireball at 5th level))
- 5th-Level: empower spell, intensified spell, exploit (school understanding – evocation (admixture))
- 6th-Level: greater spell focus (evocation)
- 9th-Level: improved initiative, exploit (metamagic knowledge (undecided))
- 10th-Level: dazing spell
- 11th-Level: spell penetration
- 13th-Level: quicken spell, exploit (quick study)
- 15th-Level: greater spell penetration, spell perfection (fireball)
- 17th-Level: toughness, exploit (metamixing or familiar)
- 19th-Level: greater spell specialization (fireball)
- 20th-Level: maximize spell
Party
The current party make-up, as I know it (at the moment). No dedicated healer (I'll admit, I'm a bit concerned, so I may take leadership to get a healer cohort at some point depending on how things go).
1 vishkanya rogue (deadly courtesan)
1 changeling witch (winter witch)
1 strix ranger (witchguard)
1 unknown race summoner (synthesist)
1 fetchlin inquisitor (black powder?)
1 human wizard (exploiter)
Again, any assistance is appreciated.
There are few threads on building evocation wizards. IIRC a dip in sorcerer is quiet helpful, and pick up dazing spell, the metamagic feat.
There are few threads on building evocation wizards. IIRC a dip in sorcerer is quiet helpful, and pick up dazing spell, the metamagic feat.
Yeah, I've been pouring over various threads, guides, and so on over the past few days, which is what helped me with the basic framework above (specifically, using fireball as a damage/control spell).
I intend, however, to fully avoid dips, which I should have put in the above post.
11th level looks late for Spell Penetration. I'd trade that out with Improved Initiative.
Toughness at 17th... I think you can do better. Extra Exploit, if nothing else.
Thanks. I think I left the feats in that order because I was originally going to play an elf wizard with the spell penetrating racial. I'll correct that.
I'll probably move quick study exploit down to 9th, too, since on rereading it, it's really nice for a wizard. I'll go with extra exploit in place of toughness as you suggest, too.