well, it's worth a try

[Reuhne]

School Savant Arcanist - Conjuration: Teleportation
Elf

Feats
1 Weapon Finesse
3 Improved Initiative
5 Extra Exploit: Dimensional Slide
Exploit: Quick Study

The idea is that the character flits in and out of combat, casting whatever spell he needs, wherever he needs to.

Is this a viable option for a full 20 arcanist? If not, why?

[Megistone]

Why Weapon Finesse? Do you plan to make melee attacks?

[Reuhne]

I figure it'd be best to go weapon finesse with a build that utilizes two teleport mechanics by level 5. That way, if the need arises, one can use touch spells.

Hit and run tactic essentially.

[avr]

It's hard to argue that a full caster isn't a viable option. With quick study just bear in mind that you have to have your spellbook in hand so it's more than a full round action: move + full round at least, then likely a standard to cast.

If you're using a lot of touch spells then lunging spell touch might well be your 7th level feat.

[Reuhne]

What do you think would be a good signature spell for this? I was originally thinking of doing a bad touch build around weapon finesse and multiple means of entry/exit. However, being a full caster, honestly, with two teleport options, the character could very well do a lot of...well...anything

[Chromantic Durgon <3]

Choosing a signature spell generally comes down to do you want to damage things (probably not since you haven't done a sorc dip), do you want to cc things, then pick a nice dazing spell. Or do you want to SOS thing, then you want something to use with persistent spell.

And then do the spell perfection stuff.

[avr]

At 5th character level frigid touch is a good touch spell if you want to go that way. If you want to go for the usual crowd control instead then glitterdust, create pit or euphoric cloud work.

If you're talking about 'in general' then there is no answer valid from 1st level to 20th.

[Cuup]

avr wrote:

With quick study just bear in mind that you have to have your spellbook in hand so it's more than a full round action: move + full round at least, then likely a standard to cast.

Quick Draw would remedy this, yes?

[Cavall]

Quick draw is for weapons

[Gilfalas]

Reuhne wrote:

School Savant Arcanist - Conjuration: Teleportation

Elf

Feats
1 Weapon Finesse
3 Improved Initiative
5 Extra Exploit: Dimensional Slide
Exploit: Quick Study

The idea is that the character flits in and out of combat, casting whatever spell he needs, wherever he needs to.

Is this a viable option for a full 20 arcanist? If not, why?

Not saying you should not persue your idea but it seems a lot of work, exploits and feats to use when a second level spell can fix the whole issue.

[Dastis]

Yes this is viable. Its interesting as well.

Familiars help with quick study action economy

Have you considered dimensional agility?

What touch spells did you have in mind? Force punch and shocking grasp are probably the best damage options.

[Reuhne]

Eh, spectral hand is boring to me. I'd much rather be in and out of combat, utilizing action economy while controlling or debuffing key targets.

Honestly, I have no clue what kind of spells I'd use. I just intended for this to be a silver bullet mage mixed with nightcrawler. Tons of versatility, and proper positioning to pull off anything.

In all honesty, I'd like a good debuff spell. Battlefield control comes naturally to me, but using debuffs is something I'd like to learn.

What would you guys do?

Level range: 8 - 15
25 point buy