[3.5] Single-Class Sorcerer Feats

[Aron Times]

I'm playing in a large 3.5 PbP game at rpol.net, and my character is a sorcerer. My CharOp-fu is strong, but I promised myself that I'd hold back on the optimization so as not to intimidate the DM and the other players. So, I decided to play a straight sorcerer, no multiclass or prestige class.

I figure that this handicap would place me in the lower bounds of tier 2, which would still let me save the party in case the **** hits the fan. I already have my entire spell list planned, but I haven't decided on which feats to take yet. My two 1st-level feats are Improved Initiative and Able Learner. Any suggestions on what other feats to take? Don't forget my self-imposed handicap of not multiclassing nor taking a prestige class or three.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

Metamagic feats. Since you can't do everything, do what you can as flexible as possible.

Also, you get to use those higher level slots for something other than spamming the same spell over and over again

Still/Silent spell for when someone tries to shut you up or pin you down

Empower for when regular strength just doesn't cut it

Heighten Spell, to get more use out of your lower level spells

Only, since you aren't doing Char-Op Fu, explicitly don't get any metamagic reducers. Other than that, pick metamagic feats for flavor and fun.

[Ranger Mattos]

I've always liked Precocious Apprentice. 2nd level spell at 1st level, 1/day by making DC 8 Caster Level check.

And a +2 Spellcraft bonus is always nice.

[Sinfire Titan]

Take Echo Spell (Secrets of Sarlona). Makes you twice the Sorcerer.

[deuxhero]

veristile spellcaster (or whatever it was called), trade 2 spell slots for 1 slot for the level above it or vice versa.

[Ernir]

Depends massively on your spell list.

Lots of buffs? Extend Spell gets more attractive. Lots of AoE offense/BC stuff? Sculpt Spell. Rays? Split Ray. Spells with saves? Heighten Spell.

I know you're holding back, but still, get some way to cast quickened spell (Metamagic Specialist or Rapid Metamagic, combined with Quicken Spell should be a non-intimidating way). :smalltongue:

Versatile Spellcaster?

How about Eschew Materials, Still Spell, Silent Spell or Sudden Maximize for a doesn't-normally-do-squat-but-can-save-everyone's-ass-some-day effect?

[JeminiZero]

Rapid Metamagic might be good if you want to be able to move AND cast in the same round.

Extra Spell Known might be used to increase your versatility. Although talk with your GM since Errata states that it can only gain you spells on your class list (some choose to ignore that). Otherwise see if you can use it to get normal and greater Anyspell (from the cleric domains). Then you can use it to cast all those once-in-a-while utility spells like Rope Trick and Teleport.

The metamagic feats you want will most probably depend on your spell list. Split Ray is good if you are Ray heavy. Sculpt spell works well with most AoE spells.

[HunterOfJello]

Veristile Spellcaster is a godsend. the favored soul in my group uses it constantly.


Invisible Spell can be fun and doesn't increase the spell level of any spell.

[Runestar]

Still spell is useless for escaping a grapple, since you can only perform standard action actions, but casting a metamagic spell is itself a full-round spell unless you have the metamagic specialist variant from PHB2.

I do recommend metamagic feats as well, such as empower, heighten, extend and maybe even sculpt spell if you can use complete arcane. You are a freaking full caster - you don't need prcs to improve your core competency! :smallamused:

[Eldariel]

Rapid Metamagic. I'd also take Sculpt Spell, Split Ray, Invisible Spell, Chain Spell, Reach Spell, Heighten Spell and other fun metamagic that's good and most importantly, interesting and useful without reducers. Just be a Metaspecialist; as a Sorcerer, you lack Spells Known so make most out of the bunch you've got. Besides, it's thematically appropriate and as long as you deny yourself meta reducers, fairly balanced too.

And yeah, Eschew Materials for some more gimpage + thematicism. Maybe Extraordinary Spell Aim and Extraordinary Concentration too for some more spatial metaspell fun. Meh, if you want to, fit Improved Initiative there somewhere. And maybe Craft Wondrous Items if your party wants some toys and they're in sparse supply in the world? Buffing others should make you pretty liked guy and rather innocent, after all.

[valadil]

How about reserve feats? Fun, but suboptimal.

[Amphetryon]

I'm a fan of the Heritage feats for a suboptimal fun route for a single-class Sorcerer.

[Vizzerdrix]

veristile spellcaster (or whatever it was called), trade 2 spell slots for 1 slot for the level above it or vice versa.

no vice versa on this. Versatile Spellcaster only goes up. Still worth it though.

are you keeping your familiar? If so, why not Improved Familiar, or Extra familiar?