So my wizard took a potion that sent him on a mind expanding inter-dimensional magic dream journey in which among other things he got to experience the full sensation of his body being torn to pieces, rotting and being reduced to skeleton. In the waking world his companions got to watch this physically happen to the unconscious yet screaming wizard (the cleanliness obsessed ratfolk was not happy about his paws sinking into the wizards decaying flesh) and then watch it all happen again but in reverse as his body reconstructed.
Anyway the GM and I thought it would be interesting if this had a significant transformational effect and made my wizard an arcanist with the divination school savant archetype. The wizard is level 8 and gets a single exploit, which one do I choose? I don't yet have any metamagic feats, I'm not taking anything charisma dependant (10 cha) though possibly with the exception of arcane barrier as it's like a swift action toughness, I'm not bothering with a familiar as the GM basically killed it in a cut scene and I'm not one for item creation.
My initial order of preference is:
Dimensional Slide. It reduces pressure on taking spells for mobility and would be the most interesting way to reveal his new powers so there's an RP element to choosing this one.
Quick Study. Not flashy but helpful since I'm used to having a wide variety of spells at my disposal.
Consume Magic Items. All the other exploits are no good if I don't have the points. Probably have this at level 9 as I'll an take extra exploit.
Potent Magic. Reduces pressure to take spell focus/penetration (boring feats) and increase damage etc.
Energy Shield. Frees up a second level spell slot.
Spell Tinkerer. If it stacks with rod of extend then yay 24hr mage armour. Possibly this over Energy shield.
Did you ask for this beforehand?
Or know it was happening?
If I were you, I'd have some huge problems with this.
When I made the character I was on a knife edge as to whether I'd be a wizard or arcanist so I was always open to something like this.
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So, you became an Arcanist, right?
Consume Magic Item is not as important as you think it is. Arcanists can naturally, as a move action, convert their spell slots into reservoir points (at a 1 spell level : 1 point ratio). As a level 8 Arcanist, you should have plenty of level 1 and level 2 spells to use for this purpose. It's still nice, of course - just less for you than for exploiter wizards.
Potent Magic, on the other hand, is strong. A blanket +2 to either DC or caster level, to any spell you need to apply it to when you need to apply it, is one of the best features of an Arcanist.
I would recommend Dimension Slide, Potent Magic, and Quick Study as your first three exploits. Since you're level 8 already, Dimension Slide now, then Potent Magic/Quick Study at level 9 through exploit+feat is not a bad choice.
Also, have you looked at Metamixing? The strongest feature of this isn't the actual mixing, but the ability to apply metamagic to spells without preparing the metamagic or increasing cast time. It's thus a strong option for Arcanists to metamagic on the fly. The metamagic exploit is excellent, as well, since it's a prerequisite for the greater version - which gives you the option to change one of your metamagic feats daily.
Thanks. I'll be going with your recommendation. With any luck I'll be able to persuade the GM to allow me to use our oracle's channel the gift spell to fuel my point pool and given said oracle is an Azlant I think I stand a good chance.
I don't yet have any metamagics but the exploits are definitely something I'll take at level 11 with exploit+feat. Metamixing solves the preparation issue I have with using metamagics with a wizard. What metamagic would be worth taking with Metamagic Knowledge?
Quick Study would be my first choice. It brings the ridiculous versatility that sets arcanists apart from other casters. With one full round action you can pull up any spell in your book. You can pull in a long duration buff, cast it once, then get it out of your prepared spells for a more useful combat spells. You can get that silver bullet spell in combat for an unexpected advantage. It adds more to the class than any other exploit IMO.
True and had I been and arcanist from the get go that's what I would have chosen. RP is the prioritising factor for Dimensional Slide and it's a good exploit. We're levelling fairly rapidly so it shouldn't be too much of an issue, though I would have preferred to have been closer level 9 before the change since at the moment I feel I've lost more then I've gained but that should change once a get a few more exploits.
Quick Study does have the danger of making your spellbook vulnerable. While most GMs won't target your spellbook while it's in a waterproof bag in your backpack, if you take it out in the middle of battle, quite a few GMs that I know will rule the book as a fair target. So, if you are going to rely on Quick Study in-combat, it's really recommended that you prepare some backup spellbooks.
It's still versatile as heck in the same way that the wizard's fast study is; it's just not always reliable to use it mid-combat for that silver bullet spell.
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I already have multiple back up spell books kept in the care of trusted party members. My plan with regards to Quick Study is to mainly prepare spells for combat and switch to utility spells as an when they are needed. I'm might keep a spell book disguised as a prayer book for emergency in combat use.