[3.5]First level wizard against lv 3 party

[lokoone]

Hello people, i need a BIG help, i need help on making a 1st lvl wizard strong enough to win alone against 4 low optimized characters lvl 3,
the rules are:
no flaws
no dragon magazine
any 3.5 book is ok
everyone will use Elite Array(15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8)
any LA 0 race is ok
no pun-pun
100 gp starting gold for me

i will be against a fighter, cleric, wizard and a rogue

thanks in advance

[Greenish]

Low-medium optimization way:
Imp. Initiative (via fighter feat UA variant), Spell Focus (Illusion), Nerveskitter, Colour Spray, Scythe. Abrupt Jaunt for panic button.

[Edit]: For race, grey elf or dragonwrought (with flaws) desert kobold.

[gkathellar]

EDIT: Brain turned off and was attacked by swordsages. Greenish has it right.

Uh ... wow, that's not a good deal for you. Your best bet is to keep your distance, use Power Word: Pain multiple times, and get really, really lucky. If you want enough individual castings, you'll need to go Focused Specialist Enchantment. Precocious Apprentice would also be a good call: you can get a higher level spell, maybe something to keep you alive over the course of all this.

[Acanous]

If you go Precocious Apprentice, grab an AoE save-or-lose. There's a few at that level. I don't have my books handy, but IIRC Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, etc.

The good news is, odds wise, you're likely to take a few of them with one action, evening things up slightly.
The bad news is they'll have these spells, too.

[Ryu_Bonkosi]

I am AFB right now so I can't give you one myself, but try to find a spell that requires a ref save because the 3/4 of your enemies will have a low save in that regard.

[lokoone]

they will probably use a blaster wizard, i need a way to take them all on the first round, or a way to survive another round

ps: very good advices, now i have at least a chance to kill them :smallamused:
Precocious Apprentice is from which book?

[Belril Duskwalk]

If you go Precocious Apprentice, grab an AoE save-or-lose. There's a few at that level. I don't have my books handy, but IIRC Glitterdust, Hypnotic Pattern, etc.

The good news is, odds wise, you're likely to take a few of them with one action, evening things up slightly.
The bad news is they'll have these spells, too.

Glitterdust may have the problem of lasting only 1 round per level, and that level is 1. Hypnotic Pattern lasts for Concentration +2 rounds, but only effects (2d4+ caster level) Hit Dice worth of creature. The maximum roll for that locks down 3 of the 4 enemies. The likely roll locks down only 2. Useful I suppose, but you need to take a few enemies down before that can really save you.

If your enemies bunch up Color Spray could be useful, a failed saves makes them blind and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for one more.

So, build aside, WHY do you need a level 1 wizard to take down a full party of level 3s?

[gkathellar]

they will probably use a blaster wizard, i need a way to take them all on the first round, or a way to survive another round

ps: very good advices, now i have at least a chance to kill them :smallamused:
Precocious Apprentice is from which book?

Precocious Apprentice is from Complete Arcane, snugly tucked away in one of the later chapters instead of the one on feats where it should be.

Web is a reasonable bet for your 2nd-level spell, and will at the very least slow down any melee opponents.

Charm Person is another good spell for this purpose.

[OverdrivePrime]

Knowing the situation is going to help a lot.

Is this an duel or open battle, where the five of you are in open terrain and aware of one another?

Are you (crazily) attacking the four enemies on their own turf?

Is there any way you can use terrain or situational effects to make them come at you one at a time?

If there's any way for you to employ stealth and deception against them, definitely do it.

Hit points are a big problem for you, as is armor class. If the fighter or wizard gets a decent shot at you, you're toast. If the rogue flanks you, you're toast. If the cleric gets two hits on you, once again, toast.

Essentially, if they're prepared for you or know you're coming, you're in a very bad spot.

If, however, you can drop cross-class skill ranks in disguise and infiltrate their base, there's a good chance you can kill them in their sleep with a light pick (better than a scythe since you're probably not pumping strength, and you can hide it on your person). Disguise yourself as a servant, poison their drinks to weaken them, and then kill them in the most craven and safe way possible.

Alternatively, you could crank charisma and diplomacy and convince an adventurer to kill them for you.

[lokoone]

Knowing the situation is going to help a lot.

Is this an duel or open battle, where the five of you are in open terrain and aware of one another?

Are you (crazily) attacking the four enemies on their own turf?

Is there any way you can use terrain or situational effects to make them come at you one at a time?

If there's any way for you to employ stealth and deception against them, definitely do it.

Hit points are a big problem for you, as is armor class. If the fighter or wizard gets a decent shot at you, you're toast. If the rogue flanks you, you're toast. If the cleric gets two hits on you, once again, toast.

Essentially, if they're prepared for you or know you're coming, you're in a very bad spot.

If, however, you can drop cross-class skill ranks in disguise and infiltrate their base, there's a good chance you can kill them in their sleep with a light pick (better than a scythe since you're probably not pumping strength, and you can hide it on your person). Disguise yourself as a servant, poison their drinks to weaken them, and then kill them in the most craven and safe way possible.

Alternatively, you could crank charisma and diplomacy and convince an adventurer to kill them for you.

yes its open battle where everyone are in open terrain and aware of one another

and they're not prepared against me

the point is, they are 100% sure that is impossible to a lv 1 wizard to win against a "classic" D&D party lvl 3 without pun-pun level cheese.

[gkathellar]

Are any of them ranged attackers (other than the wizard)? If you use Web or Grease, you have to bring down anyone who can hit you from a fair distance first.

Besides, Pun-Pun can't be done until level 5, they're just being silly.

[Greenish]

Besides, Pun-Pun can't be done until level 5, they're just being silly.Precocious Apprentice -> Summon Monster II -> Mirror Mephit -> SU Simulacrum of Efreet -> Wish.

There you go, 1st level wizard Pun-Pun (the trick isn't mine, obviously).

[DoctorGlock]

At level 1, facing a party that also includes a level 3 cleric and wizard... you are pretty much going to die horribly. At least it will be quick.

Your HP is going to be 6. This is bad.

Your Initiative is going to be +5. This provides no certainties. They have 4 chances to beat it and put an arrow in your scrawny wizard sternum.

You will have maybe 4 1st level spells assuming focused conjurer

If you take improved initiative, you are not going to have greater spell focus. Your DCs will be 15 max. The cleric will be packing +5 to both good saves assuming no buffs and same limitations

You can abrupt jaunt twice. They still have 2 chances to kill you.

Were you bragging that a level one character can take out 4 level 3s? Because that does not happen. A wizard can pull a TPK against some higher level foes as early as 5th, maybe, but at 1st?

Now, given the pessimism, you might still get lucky. Your HP are nil, so a con hit means very little. Go grey elf, you get another jaunt and +1 DC and +1 init. Strike from cover, always, the moment they get line of effect it's over for you. Use no save spells and run while they die slowly to power word pain.

Alternately, go strongheart halfling for the feat. Pledge loyalty to every elder evil in the book for more feats. Sacrifice people BoVD style for more feats and wishes to swap the feats for better feats. Get summon nature's ally 1 on your list somehow, i'm sure on of the others can say how, but you have the feats for it. Take signature spell for it. You now qualify for greenbound summoning and ashbound summoning. Hide while your minions entangle and thornwall the party into salsa.

[Max Zoren]

At level 1 you have so few spells you can probably take them all from one school so if you can use traits take the one that gives you +1 caster level in your specialist school and -1 caster level in the other schools (can't remember what it's called, don't the book handy).This should help with CL based durations etc.

[OverdrivePrime]

the point is, they are 100% sure that is impossible to a lv 1 wizard to win against a "classic" D&D party lvl 3 without pun-pun level cheese.
They really should only be about 90% sure of that. Sounds like you got yourself into a classic Pete Mitchell situation (http://youtu.be/sRNWFtgXo2E).

This is a pretty terrible setup. As a 1st level wizard against 4 opponents in a CR5 encounter, you have zero room for error, and zero room for chance. Every single action you take must have a 100% chance of success, because if it doesn't, one of those four opponents is going to perforate you until you die from it. As mentioned earlier, the upside is that your defeat probably won't be drawn out slowly.
What's worse is that you're probably going to die at the hands of a fighter, rogue, or summoned creature. Most embarrassing.

Maybe bring a tower shield, and cower behind that if you lose initiative. Once it's your turn, just discard the shield and hit them with everything you've got, Macross style.

[ahenobarbi]

Too bad it's open terrain. If it was indoors you could use sticky floor or create trap (both 1st level spells from Races of the Dragon, duration time in hours) + summon swarm from wand (wand with 1 charge would cost 90 gp) then concentrate on swarm and hope it can finish them (with help of traps or sticky floor).

Edit: And honestly if you're lvl 1 with 100gp I think sorcerer would be better - you 'd have the same number of spells known but more slots.

[Fouredged Sword]

Trade your Familiars for an animal companion using ACF's. Take the gain Familiars feat, now you have a wolf and a hawk. That makes things somewhat easier.

You are too squishy to take a hit. Lock people down and have your wolf bite them to death.

Precarious apprentice is good for a second level spell. Color spray your way to victory.

Feats -
Gain Familiars.
Flaw - Spell Focus Illusion.
Flaw - Precocious Apprentice.

Boost your int as high as possible, then follow up with con. Likely as a grey elf.

[Oindoth]

For your race, I'd recommend a Dragonborn Deep Imaskari. Your Dex will be tanked, but hopefully the Int and Con boosts would be worth it.

[gkathellar]

Trade your Familiars for an animal companion using ACF's. Take the gain Familiars feat, now you have a wolf and a hawk. That makes things somewhat easier.

You are too squishy to take a hit. Lock people down and have your wolf bite them to death.

Precarious apprentice is good for a second level spell. Color spray your way to victory.

Feats -
Gain Familiars.
Flaw - Spell Focus Illusion.
Flaw - Precocious Apprentice.

Boost your int as high as possible, then follow up with con. Likely as a grey elf.

He said no flaws up in the first post.

[sreservoir]

For your race, I'd recommend a Dragonborn Deep Imaskari. Your Dex will be tanked, but hopefully the Int and Con boosts would be worth it.

it isn't. wiz 1 is unlikely to live without winning initiative. increasing room for failure there is ... ungood.

[DoctorGlock]

Wait. We can do this.

Lesser Fey'ri race

Greater demonic trait is either DR 10/magic or 1/day enervation

leser is fire resist 10 and some cruddy SLA

If it's the second, grab magic in the blood as a feat and enervation is now 3/day.

Fly far above the party and drain them to dust after locking them down or do the same with the DR and drop burning stuff on them

[DrMike105]

He also probably can't have a familiar. He gets 100gp to start, and the ritual to get one costs 100gp (unless all he wants beyond that is the clothes he's wearing).

[Madcrafter]

I've never heard of a DM making the wizard pay for his familiar. Spellbook, sure, but never the familiar. That's just cruel.

[Volos]

If your wizard is aware of combat or is actively seeking it, go charm person some random NPC. Your best choice would be the head of the neast village militia. Convince him that the party are evil characters that need to be arrested. Then once everyone is in shackles or manacles, explain to your charmed friend that he can trust you with taking the prisoners in, he needs to get back to his village to do paperwork or whatever. Have fun using your scythe on the PCs once the charmed friend is out of the way.

[DoctorGlock]

If your wizard is aware of combat or is actively seeking it, go charm person some random NPC. Your best choice would be the head of the neast village militia. Convince him that the party are evil characters that need to be arrested. Then once everyone is in shackles or manacles, explain to your charmed friend that he can trust you with taking the prisoners in, he needs to get back to his village to do paperwork or whatever. Have fun using your scythe on the PCs once the charmed friend is out of the way.

that is just so wonderfully evil...

[gkathellar]

If your wizard is aware of combat or is actively seeking it, go charm person some random NPC. Your best choice would be the head of the neast village militia. Convince him that the party are evil characters that need to be arrested. Then once everyone is in shackles or manacles, explain to your charmed friend that he can trust you with taking the prisoners in, he needs to get back to his village to do paperwork or whatever. Have fun using your scythe on the PCs once the charmed friend is out of the way.

Clever. Not especially helpful for an optimization exercise, but clever.

[Urpriest]

Precocious Apprentice -> Summon Monster II -> Mirror Mephit -> SU Simulacrum of Efreet -> Wish.

There you go, 1st level wizard Pun-Pun (the trick isn't mine, obviously).

Doesn't work, creatures brought by (summoning) spells can't use SLAs that would cost XP were they spells, even though they don't cost XP as SLAs. Rules in the Magic section of the PHB.

There are still quite low level methods, of course, though they unfortunately often involve Pazuzu.

[blackjack217]

Precocious Apprentice -> Summon Monster II -> Mirror Mephit -> SU Simulacrum of Efreet -> Wish.

There you go, 1st level wizard Pun-Pun (the trick isn't mine, obviously).

You know that would actually work under the rules for this contest. Oh, don't use the wish for pun pun shenanigans of course. Use it for an 8th level AOE spell.

[Aharon]

@blackjack
umm... no. The part where it doesn't work is when you want the mirror mephit to use its SU-ability.

@lokoone
Does it have to be Wizard 1? Sorcerer 1 might fare better:


You're doing it wrong. It's Venerable Spellhoarding Dragonwrought Desert Kobold Loredrake Stalwart Battle Sorcerer. That gets proficiency in any light or one-handed martial weapon, proficiency and weapon focus in any melee martial weapon, 10+Con HP (1d8+2+Con max at 1st), Eschew Materials and Scribe Scroll for free, and best of all 3rd level Wizard spellcasting ability. Your spells are written on your scales (referred to as a spellhoard) so there's no risk of losing a spellbook and no limit to the number of pages you have available. You can scribe the same spell multiple times, each spell copy in your spellhoard can be cast directly as though from a scroll which erases that one copy, one or more spell copies can be sacrificed from your spellhoard to substitute costly material components or XP costs of your spells.

from here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187445&highlight=spellhoarding) - some of the advice might be useful for you.

[Greenish]

You know that would actually work under the rules for this contest. Oh, don't use the wish for pun pun shenanigans of course. Use it for an 8th level AOE spell.Hmm, you can't get it to use Simulacrum, as per above. Too bad.

Besides, it'd have to be out of combat thing, since if you try to summon in combat, you'll be dead before you can get the spell off, unless you use the UA Conjurer variant. Is there a summon nasty enough to finish them in a round with a standard action?

[Slipperychicken]

You know that would actually work under the rules for this contest. Oh, don't use the wish for pun pun shenanigans of course. Use it for an 8th level AOE spell.

Wasn't there a spell that permanently gives you a cone gaze attack? I remember it works well against low-HD targets.

[blackjack217]

I also recommend template abuse.

[Urpriest]

If you're pulling out all the stops, a 1st level wizard can make a lot of money from Mount+Magic Aura+Disguise Self. Sell someone a horse, then leave before it vanishes and change your disguise. See if you can put that sort of gold gain in your backstory.

[Greenish]

I also recommend template abuse.Mmn, incarnate construct warforged with what?

[ahenobarbi]

Be a dragnonwrought cobold (Races of the Dragon), focused speciallist wizard, take Precocious Apprentice feat. Age to venerable (you don't take penalties but get benefit as dragonwrought cobold).For 90 gp buy wand with 2nd level spell (1 charge). Stats:

Str: 12 - 4
Dex: 14 + 2
Con: 12 - 2
Int: 15 + 3
Wis: 13 + 3
Cha: 10 +3

With Focused Specialist you get 4 1st level spell slots (with 2 spells known).With 100gp you can afford 1 2nd level spell on wand and Precoci you one more.

They don't know about you.

Use wand of Create Trap to create traps in places where they will fall into them (like on the path if they're walking).
Before they fall into traps make your self invisible (from wand this way you'll get 3 minutes not 1) and ready action to cast sticky floor on them while they fall into traps (you can have some traps between them and you in case they hear you and come running). Hopefully 3 of them will be stuck on sticky floor. Summon bat swarm on them (damage isn't great but they will bleed which is bad for casters, it's immune to weapons and it can last longer then anything else on that level).

While get out of sticky floor get in good position to use color spray. When they get out of sticky floor and start dealing with swarm (immune to weapons so will be hard for rogue and warrior without harming those under swarm). When they are about to finish swarm colorspray.

[Lans]

I think theirs a way to get the metamagic that makes zombies at 1st level.


Be an Azurin

Sell your soul, use traits if allowed. Take Wild Cohort, improved initiative, Rage Claws-Fight while in negatives+3 HP, 1 other

Focused Conjurer Variant. I think theirs a spell that makes a block as a swift action, grease, abrupt jaunt. Grr doesn't have the oomph necessarily

Precocious apprentice- Invisibility+ Wand of SNA1 with as many charges as 100gp will give you. Take the Arcane Disciple to get it on your list. I think this s gives you 1 minute to work

[Greenish]

Be a dragnonwrought cobold (Races of the Dragon), focused speciallist wizard, take Precocious Apprentice feat.No flaws allowed (I missed it at first, too).

[Aharon]

Oh yeah!
I forgot the soul selling, thanks for reminding me, Lans. Fiendish Codex II details Faustian Pacts, which can net you Feats. That way, you don't need flaws and another trick mentioned in the thread I linked before:



Alacritous Cogitation (CM) lets you leave a spell slot open to spontaneously cast a spell of equal or lower level, thus fulfilling the prerequisite of Versatile Spellcaster (RotD). Domain Wizard (UA) gains his Domain spells as spells known immediately upon being able to cast them, and also gains one additional spell slot of each level he can cast which is reserved for his domain spell. Elf Wizard 1 gets Generalist Wizardry, which grants an additional spell slot of the highest level you can currently cast. I think it goes something like this:
Spend two 1st slots to cast a 2nd level spell;
Gain a 2nd level domain slot, Generalist grants 2nd level slot;
Spend two 2nd slots to cast a 3rd level spell;
Gain a 3rd level domain slot, Generalist grants 3rd level slot;
Spend two 3rd slots to cast a 4th level spell;
Repeat as above until 9th level spell slots are acquired. You have a domain spell slot of 1st-9th level, Generalist grants a 9th level slot, plus you get any bonus spell slots for a high Int score. Your caster level is only 1st, but you can cast 9th level spells.

[ahenobarbi]

No flaws allowed (I missed it at first, too).

Then be venerable lesser Air Genasi. You will still be able to move and that's enough for this plan to work (and you'll get even better Int):

Str: 12 + 2 - 6
Dex: 14 + 2 - 6
Con: 12 + 2 - 2
Int: 15 + 2 + 3
Wis: 13 - 4 + 3
Cha: 10 -4 + 3

[Gandariel]

It isn't impossible..
first of all, you need a race or Template that gives flight.
take Precocious apprentice for a 2nd level slot...

you could:
1: Web & fly away
2: Hail of stone.
3: repeat 2 until you're out of slots.
4: drop a torch on them for some more damage, and then try hitting them with a crossbow.
it's not foolproof of course, but it's a start i guess

[Oindoth]

The higher Int granted by Deep Imaskari makes an Abrupt Jaunt variant Wizard that much more effective at dodging targeted attacks. I'd say the extra "Get out of jail free" card granted from that more than makes up for the possible loss of initiative. Add in the extra Con from Dragonborn, plus the breath weapon (in case you run out of spells), and I think you've got at least a half-decent option.

[Randomguy]

You've got enough money to buy a scroll of a level 1 spell.

Lesser Fey'ri seems like the best race to me. (Because of the DR. level 3's probably don't have magic weapons.)

Use web (from precocious apprentice) and then power word pain until you kill them all. One casting on each enemy should do the trick.

[lokoone]

thanks for the advices, i think the web will work pretty well
i do know its impossible against a mid optimization or higher, but they will be a classic low op D&D party, meat shield fighter, blaster wizard, healbot cleric and skillmonkey rogue and everyone from PHb no other books.

the web will provide me cover, and this way i can try to kill one by one

will be 3 fights, i need to win at least one, its better to win on the first fight because they might meta-game on the other fights

[sreservoir]

The higher Int granted by Deep Imaskari makes an Abrupt Jaunt variant Wizard that much more effective at dodging targeted attacks. I'd say the extra "Get out of jail free" card granted from that more than makes up for the possible loss of initiative. Add in the extra Con from Dragonborn, plus the breath weapon (in case you run out of spells), and I think you've got at least a half-decent option.

losing initiative means you're flat-footed until you can act. being flat-footed means no immediates for you. no immediates means

[Doughnut Master]

I like the idea of turning the town on the party. Maybe not wizard optimization, but an optimization of intelligence.

While the party was off adventuring and gaining levels, maybe the wizard was ingratiating himself to the town, winning them over.

Or, if you have to be fresh, charm person, disguise self, and forgery to impersonate an authority figure and carry a government order declaring the party dangerous and killed on sight.

[Lans]

Try Dragonwrought kobold with epic toughnessx3, and use power word pain as your offense spell.

Trade scribe scroll for Improved initiative

[sreservoir]

Try Dragonwrought kobold with epic toughnessx3, and use power word pain as your offense spell.

Trade scribe scroll for Improved initiative

how do you intend to get that feat three times while being a dragonwrought kobold, at level 1, without flaws?

[TheMeMan]

thanks for the advices, i think the web will work pretty well
i do know its impossible against a mid optimization or higher, but they will be a classic low op D&D party, meat shield fighter, blaster wizard, healbot cleric and skillmonkey rogue and everyone from PHb no other books.

the web will provide me cover, and this way i can try to kill one by one

will be 3 fights, i need to win at least one, its better to win on the first fight because they might meta-game on the other fights

Quite frankly, you can't win. It's gigantic amounts of hubris to even think you can. Or I'll say you have a 1% chance of winning, if all their rolls are natural 1's, the fighter is equipped with a water noodle, the cleric casts his heals on fully healed character, the rogue somehow manages to sneak attack himself, and the wizard only uses prestidigitation to changes the color of the ground because it looks cool. This is not very helpful, but look at this way:

You have four characters vs. 1. Even if low optimized, their chances of winning Initiative is far superior to your unless you sacrifice some power for Improved initiative (Which I'm going to assume at least one of them has, as it's a relatively safe go-to feat for combat types).

Your spells are utter ****e, and mostly utility at this point(Or ludicrously low damage). Sure, you can summon the bats, as someone before point out, but this only assumes that they will be happy to stay occupied with said bats. If the goal is to kill you, then there is no reason to even begin assuming any summons will keep them occupied. And even if they do, a level 3 party even at pitiful optimization, will handily dispose of even the most problematic summons you have available.

They have 2 extra levels worth of HP. If you were a couple levels higher, or they were on the same level as you, it wouldn't be a problem. As it stands, it is a mountain to overcome. Sure you can color spray them to bits, and web them away. How do you plan on dealing with a combined total of around 40~ish HP quickly enough? On separate targets, no less, which is a bit harder to damage away. Most of the strategies given so far assumes(Wrongfully) that the party will all be close together, and holding hands and dancing and playing. Why in the nine hells would they do that? It's not even an optimization issue, it's simply intelligence and the way things work. If the group splits up in any way (for instance if the rogue decides to move to your flanks), you are dead, because the only way to deal with the situation is AoE spells. You do not have the time nor the ability to cast enough spells to take them down one by one.

You will have about 4 HP, give or take. One hit and you are dead. Do any of them have any sort of range? The Wizard I assume will, and both the fighter and rogue have some options even if you try to keep them at bay. A simple shortbow on the fighter or rogue and the fight is over in one shot. Assuming you will have low AC(Which is a safe assumption-you need to focus on other aspects), the fighter or rogue could rather easily hit you. Unless they roll pitifully on attack or damage, you will be down in one hit. The Wizard, be blasty, has some range also.

If you web them, you better hope they don't have enough range to hit you. If you colorspray first, you better hope that every last one of them fails, which once again is unlikely. The cleric will have a high Will, as will the Wizard. The fighter and rogue won't, but frankly with a Healbot cleric on their side it doesn't matter much.

In order for you to have a chance, you will need stupid levels of optimization, a good deal of luck, and absolutely no mistakes made. And that only gives you a fighting chance. If you were levels three, then things would change quite a bit. You'd still be in a bad way, but you would have a decent chance of winning. As it stands, you're going to learn the hard way that Wizards are not always gods, and yes low-op builds that are at a higher level will trounce the floor with you. Especially when you are at level 1.

Is it possible to win? Sure. High levels of optimization might give you some sort of chance. However, some of what has already been suggested is heavily in the cheese territory, and the only way to ensure victory(or even get to a decent shot) is to spread some nice creamy cheese all over it. Even at the high levels of optimization that have been suggested(Which would dominate at level 4 or 5), it's almost impossible.

A short list of everything I can think of off the top of my head that you need to consider:

1. Winning Initiative
2. Action Economy(They have 4 turns for every one of yours).
3. Keeping Distance
4. Stopping them from attacking.
5. Dealing enough damage to win the fight.
6. Dealing with multiple targets.
7. Dealing with spread out targets.
8. Dealing with damage from them.

There is a basic list of 8 things you need to worry about. At even slightly higher levels, most of those become moot points. At your level, they are absolutely necessary to consider. How is a level 1 Wizard going to cover these bases fast enough to actually win a fight? Quite frankly pick 2 or 3, because that's all you'll be able to do with such a low level.

[Alienist]

Turn it around, what are they going to be tossing at you? An unoptimised blaster wizard is going to hit you with magic missiles. Two castings of that and you're toast. Abrupt jaunt probably won't help against the magic missiles. A shield spell would, though the wizard will then switch to something else.

Flying (with or without web) and then blasting is predicated on the notion that you can out range the enemy blaster with your blasting.

I like invisibility or mirror image for keeping you alive a couple of extra crucial rounds. If you belted the enemy Mage with a sleep spell in round one that might help.

Okay, but now you need shield, mirror image, sleep x2... You're starting to run out of options... Wands with one charge might be deemed a bit cheesy - if so try scribing your own lvl 1 scrolls.

[Kenneth]

here is my thing.. ok your a 2st levle wizard and prob have a 14 con so you got 6 HP.. a 3rd levle wizard casting magic missle is deal 2-10 dmg.. averaging at 6.5.. so killing you in one casting... while its been shown you can get 2 or 3 of these guys down it really only takes 1 attack from anybody to kill you. liek what rogue isn't going to have a ring of invisibilty to sneka attack you for 1dX+2d6 sneak attack? or the fighter hitting your with his great sowrd for 2d6+6 ( only a str of 18)

then there is the cleric who can swap out a random spell to heal soembodyf or 1d8+3 or 2d8+3.... so if he lives and you just uncoiu somebody.. BAM now you fight 2 again..

[Draz74]

If you're pulling out all the stops, a 1st level wizard can make a lot of money from Mount+Magic Aura+Disguise Self. Sell someone a horse, then leave before it vanishes and change your disguise. See if you can put that sort of gold gain in your backstory.

If you're really pulling out all the stops, sell your Spellbook for "way more money than a Level 1 character should have," then buy a bunch of war-trained Riding Dogs. Invest in cross-class Handle Animal and have fun mauling your opponents to pieces with minionmancy.

[sreservoir]

If you're really pulling out all the stops, sell your Spellbook for "way more money than a Level 1 character should have," then buy a bunch of war-trained Riding Dogs. Invest in cross-class Handle Animal and have fun mauling your opponents to pieces with minionmancy.

so, go generalist and sourcebook dive?

low-level minionmancy: one of some four identified situations where a generalist is more appropriate.

[Gavinfoxx]

Sell your spellbook, and retrain yourself into Eidetic Spellcaster ACF, so you have lots more wealth than you should have... and buy lots of Mules to train to fight for you.

[fryplink]

Be human or Stongheart Halfling, Improved Initiative, Abrupt Jaunt ACF (Though actually, at level 1 or 2 your familiar could be useful in combat) that Apprentice feat that gives you a second level slot for a spellcraft check and then grab reserve feat. Every turn, use your move action to put distance between you, maybe a grease first round between you. Jaunt if one gets too close. Reserve feat them to death. Only use actual spell slots to pin 'em down with movement restricting spells (web, grease, the usual suspects). Basically, if this were an MMO you'd be kiting them to death.

If you put Acid Arrow as the 2nd level spell, and acidic splatter as the reserve feat, you do 1d6 damage a round. I would suggest firey burst though, with the longer range and the AoE allowing you to hit two or more for 1d6, and in a storm, you have a second level fire spell prepared to finish off the last one with.

I might be the only person to suggest blasting as a solution. Though honestly it's the control effects that make it all possible.

EDIT: I used three feats. That's unfortunate. That, and you'd need some rounds to buff (mostly Shield, and a save increasing spell, if you have one, though you probably don't have that many spells in your book, the other wizard is your biggest problem)

[Oindoth]

Nerveskitter is a first level spell which provides a higher bonus to Initiative than a -2 penalty from the dex loss you get from Dragonborn Deep Imaskari. The extra "You legitimately cannot touch me" from Abrupt Jaunt is definitely worth it.

If you want minions, grab Wild Cohort, trade your Familiar for an Animal Companion, and then proceed to provide a beatdown with spells.

Then again, once you have those two options, you're not really a Wizard, you're a Druid. They would win in this kind of contest, by the by.

[Waspinator]

How much is a first level wizard's spellbook worth? Since you can sell it and buy a bunch of mules for 8 gp each like has been mentioned.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/mule.htm

If you can train the mules to fight for you, you actually have a decent zerg rush.

[fryplink]

Also, if you don't feel like trading out your familiar, a +15 hide (yay surprise round) the tiny viper has paired with Con Damage from the poison could possibly kill the enemy wizard, if it has 8 - 10 Con, on a good roll, an AC of 17 means it will take either a dedicated effort or a few rounds to kill, each round it will force another save or con damage while under the barrage of fiery burst (or 0th level spells to avoid killing familiar). Killing the snake will take an action, possibly actions and could cause the death of 1 ~ 2 enemies if done correctly. Weigh your options, while only possessing 1hp, the AC of some of the Familiars is tough for very low levels to circumvent. Pregame the snake with a mage armor or shield (just to make the wizard waste a spell) and with an AC of 21 and a surprise round, immunity to Magic missiles, and have it strike the wizard from hiding. Now the wizard, knowing it's a weak snake, casts MM on it(knowing that a never-miss 2 hp will kill it), wasting a turn, is presented with a choice, either melee it or risk taking more CON damage next turn when it attacks again, and again. Or the fighter comes over and kills it, putting several members of the enemy party very close together. Meanwhile you keep Battlefield controlling and blasting to keep yourself safe

[lokoone]

ok, was HARD but i won with venerable Dragonwrought kobold(for the stats+3 int,+2 dex) with abrupt jaunt and traded Scribe Scroll for improved initiative, they accepted to give me more 150gp, so now i have 250gp, bought a
web scroll(150gp)+color spray(25gp)+2 alchemist fire(40gp)+oil

won the initiative(14(roll)+5(nerveskitter)+4(improved initiative)+2(dex)=25)

used color spray on everyone CD 15 everyone failed, everyone stuned for 5 rounds, webbed them, spread oil, throw alchemist fire(on the rogue), used scroll of color spray, in the same round wiz and rogue died burning :smallbiggrin:
fighter and cleric failed the save again stunned for more 3 rounds spread more oil, throwed another alchemist fire and finally killed everyone.

more luck than preparation, but i won the first fight, lost the other ones..
would be easer with more cheese :smallsmile:

[Lans]

how do you intend to get that feat three times while being a dragonwrought kobold, at level 1, without flaws?Does dragonwrought require a feat? If not then pact infernus from fiend folio , if yes then add taint. Though I;m not a 100% on the taint rules.

You can also use precocious apprentice+Focus specialist for 3-4 2nd level spells, then use heroics

[sreservoir]

Does dragonwrought require a feat? If not then pact infernus from fiend folio , if yes then add taint. Though I;m not a 100% on the taint rules.

You can also use precocious apprentice+Focus specialist for 3-4 2nd level spells, then use heroics

... dragonwrought is a feat; pact infernus ... works; taint causes taint effects, which are nasty unless mitigated.

[Rubik]

I haven't read through the thread (though I will later), as I don't have the time right now. Sorry if this has been resolved already.

Get as many spells in your spell books as possible through Precocious Apprentice and Collegiate Wizard (note that you get every single cantrip in the entire game in your book), then sell your spell book and buy a few higher level scrolls. It's easy to make the CL check for them.

Cast Freezing Fog if the party is all in a group, and do so while you've got Improved Invisibility up.

I don't think they'll last long.

[edit] Oh, looks like A.) people have suggested spellbook selling already, and B.) he kicked their arses. Good job! How'd they take it?

[lokoone]

they reacted like: "**** wizard is strong even at level one?!? wtf improved initiative?!?, Abrupt Jaunt is sooo unfair.."
they did not know how strong a wizard is since level 1, they thought wizards get stronger only at later levels.

[Wings of Peace]

they reacted like: "**** wizard is strong even at level one?!? wtf improved initiative?!?, Abrupt Jaunt is sooo unfair.."
they did not know how strong a wizard is since level 1, they thought wizards get stronger only at later levels.

In fairness besting one encounter isn't that hard if you're willing to blow all your magic at once. It's just not a very good idea if you're in a situation where you won't be able to rest for awhile.

[Flickerdart]

In fairness besting one encounter isn't that hard if you're willing to blow all your magic at once. It's just not a very good idea if you're in a situation where you won't be able to rest for awhile.
The enemy party is a CR7 encounter - even against an entire level 1 party they would constitute far more than a day's share of battles, making the expenditure of any resources justified.

[Novawurmson]

used color spray on everyone CD 15 everyone failed

Mwahahahaha. Congratulations on your victory :D

[Waspinator]

How do you determine the value of a filled-up spellbook, anyway?

[Rubik]

How do you determine the value of a filled-up spellbook, anyway?

Selling a Spellbook
Captured spellbooks can be sold for a gp amount equal to one-half the cost of purchasing and inscribing the spells within (that is, one-half of 100 gp per page of spells). A spellbook entirely filled with spells (that is, with one hundred pages of spells inscribed in it) is worth 5,000 gp.

Do note that you can practically fill up a spellbook with your freebie cantrips alone.