[3.5(p)] Pimp my ultimate magus (but not too much)

[mattie_p]

OK, so here's the setup. Mostly 3.5, but using races, skills, and feat progression from Pathfinder core, with a few small exceptions. For example, concentration is still a skill, but most others are combined per pathfinder.

I'm the party arcane spellcaster. I know Ultimate Magus is not optimal, but we're a fairly low-op group so I can get away with it. Besides, I'm the wizard, honestly, is there anything I can't do if I set my mind to it? Starting at ECL 5. Party is all human (including myself - agreed on beforehand so no changing) and I'm middle age (RP thing - adopted father figure to one of the other characters).

32 point buy, looking at 9/12/12/18/9/14, but flexible here. Floating +2 from human goes into int. Aged to middle age +1 int, wis, cha, level 4 stat boost to int. Final stats 8/11/11/22/10/15, but flexible here if there are better suggestions.

Looking at Sorc1/Focused Specialist 3/Master Specialist 1 going straight into Ultimate Magus at CL 6. Finish that off and go into Archmage to round out 20 if it gets that far. Practiced spellcaster on Sorc is a given, even with that I'll give up 2 caster levels of Wizard, but I'm ok with that.

Here's where I'd like some help. It has been a long, long time since I've played an arcane caster and I have no idea which school to specialize in and would like some suggestions on spells (for wiz and sorc), equipment, skills, and maybe ACFs. I'd like to focus on buffing and battlefield control.

DM is pretty strict on paying for spells, so other than the normal level up spells I'll need to pay to scribe the spell. Assume a moderate ban list on spells, but at ECL 5 and only level 2 spells I doubt there is anything that could break the game. No more than 40% on any single item, which at 9000gp starting gold means no headband.

If you need more input from me I'll be happy to oblige, but I think you should have enough info to start rolling.

[Malachei]

UM Handbook, short version:

Be an Illumian (Krau), take Practiced Spellcaster, make Ultimate Magus a 10/10 progression PrC.

Be a wizard / beguiler for Int synergy.

But as you want to be a human, you'll not be able to make it 10/10, which is the first big trade-off. If your game is low OP, it should not be a huge problem, but you're already one level behind. "Thou shalt not lose caster levels" is the only maxim for a full caster, but losing one for metamagic goodness can in part be justified, but not two, never two.

[Pilo]

I agree with Malachei, replace sorcerer by beguiler (PHB2), more skill points, more hp, int based-casting but fixed spell list. And they get light armor proeficiency so you could later buy a mithril chain mail +1 of Twilight (0% spellcasting failure +5 AC).

As beguiler is an Illusionist-Enchanter, you can drop these two schools to specialize. You can drop Evocation too (Conjuration and Transmutation have direct dammages spells too).

Focus on Transmutation if you want to buff/polymorph a lot otherwise go for Conjuration.

I don't think you want to do the early entry trick so drop illumian and take strongheart halfling or human as race or maybe pathfinder half-elf.

Taking the Practiced spellcaster feat at level 3 worth it, because you could only lost 1 level of wizard casting progression instead of 4.

[Malachei]

I agree with Malachei, replace sorcerer by beguiler (PHB2), more skill points, more hp, int based-casting but fixed spell list. And they get light armor proeficiency so you could later buy a mithril chain mail +1 of Twilight (0% spellcasting failure +5 AC).

As beguiler is an Illusionist-Enchanter, you can drop these two schools to specialize. You can drop Evocation too (Conjuration and Transmutation have direct dammages spells too).

Focus on Transmutation if you want to buff/polymorph a lot otherwise go for Conjuration.

I don't think you want to do the early entry trick so drop illumian and take strongheart halfling or human as race or maybe pathfinder half-elf.

Taking the Practiced spellcaster feat at level 3 worth it, because you could only lost 1 level of wizard casting progression instead of 4.

Thanks. I just wanted to clarify that I did not recommend Illumian for early entry, but for avoiding the caster level loss. Krau sigil raises your caster level by 2 (up to your character level), which, together with Practiced Spellcaster, makes UM 10/10 for your primary spellcasting class. This is totally legal RAW and no cheese at all.

The early entry trick is seemingly achieved via taking the Improved Sigil (Krau) feat, which raises effective spell level as per heighten spell.

This method is highly debatable, because the UM requirements reads


able to prepare and cast 2nd-level arcane spells from a spellbook
(emphasis mine)

Whereas the Improved Sigil (Krau) feat reads:


When you cast one of the chosen spells, the spell's effective level is increased by 1
(emphasis mine)

Thus, the feat does not fulfill the requirement of being able to prepare the spell as a 2nd level spell, only to cast it at (effective) second level.

Another method uses Precocious Apprentice, or Versatile Spellcaster with Heighten Spell.

[Brock Samson]

Currently I'm playing a Wiz/Beguiler/UM, and so far it's pretty decent. Skills are very nice to have as class skills from the Beguiler level, but if you're using Pathfinder rules not as hard a hit to your character.

If you're sticking with Sorceror (not a bad option) I'd take the Alternate Class Feature that lets you swap your Sorceror's Familiar for an intangible little helper-type-familiar (don't know the name of the ACF), but it basically lets you store spell energy into your ghost-familiar (that can't be injured ever) and when you want you can have it release the energy healing D6s/spell level stored, or getting a Resistance bonus to SAVES AND AC for CL rounds. The amount it can hold at a time is up to your sorc CL. This means at level 5 it can hold up to 5 spell levels. So if you need it now that's 5d6's of healing, but more importantly, that's an extra 5 to your AC and Saves for 5 rounds. NOTHING gives you resistance to AC, so if you want to have fun and go for a high AC build you can, while your saves will also kick butt.

Now you buy lots of level 1 Momento Magicas from the Magic Item Compendium, which let you recharge your first level spell slots, which you then cast into your psuedo-familiar, which holds that up to 24 hours. Every battle your AC and Saves go up through the roof. At level 10 you've got an extra 10 to AC and Saves for 10 rounds/combat. Never fail a save again!

[Brock Samson]

Also, I'm moderately certain it counts a spell, and is an Abjuration effect, so if you happen to go into Abjurant Champion ever, your AC continues to increase insane amounts. Get a Ring of Evasion. Try to get someone to forge a ring of Mettle.

This ACF is either in one of the Completes of the PH2.

[Pilo]

Well the wording of Precocious Apprentice and more precisely this part: "When you become able to cast 2nd-level spells, you lose the benefit described above but retain the extra 2nd-level spell slot", invalidate the fact that you are able to cast 2nd-level spells.

note: Beguiler/Wizard

With the sigil, it will be a 12/13 in caster level but only a 10/11 spellcaster level at level 14 (acces to only 5th-level spell and 3 level behind a regular wizard and 4 behind a regular sorcerer so no chance to access to 9th level spells).

With practiced spellcaster and no sigil, it would be 12/13 in caster level and 8/13 spellcaster level at level 14 (acces to 6th-level spell and only 1 level behind a regular wizard and 6 behind a regular sorcerer but he still have a chance to get 9th level spells on the wizard side).

With practiced spellcaster and the sigil, it would be 14/14 in caster level and 8/13 spellcaster level at level 14 (acces to 6th-level spell and only 1 level behind a regular wizard and 6 behind a regular sorcerer but he still have a chance to get 9th level spells).

[mattie_p]

I'll have to see if Illumian will fly, but otherwise I like what I'm hearing. No early entry tricks for me I'm afraid, I don't want to get hit with a book. Can't believe I forgot about Beguiler, I've been away from arcane for WAY too long. Plus I don't own PHB II - gotta borrow it so I always forget. Need to check it out so I can compare, but int synergy is always nice.

If Illumian is in, what should my second sigil be?

Brock, that ACF must be in PHB II because I don't see it in my completes. Thoughts on spells? And would the expanded spell knowledge still apply to Beguiler?

[docnessuno]

Another option not requiring illumian:

Stats (32 PB)
9/13/15/17/8/13 => age 8/12/14/18/9/14 => human and human paragon 8/12/14/22/9/14

Wizard 1
Beguiler1
Human paragon 3 (+2 wizard casting)
Praticed spellcaster (Beguiler)

Level 15:
Casting as a lvl 13 wizard (CL 17) and lvl 8 beguiller (CL 16)

PS: be a specialist wizard and take the focused specialist ACF, you can safely ban illusion, enchantment and another school of choice, having most of those spell as beguiler.

[deuxhero]

And they get light armor proeficiency so you could later buy a mithril chain mail +1 of Twilight (0% spellcasting failure +5 AC)..

I assume you meant Chainshirt (because Mithiril Twilight Chaimail has a 10% ACF) in which case light armor proficiency is pointless, as the shirt has 0 ACP and all non-proficiency penalties are based on ACP.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Definitely take your Beguiler level first for the higher skill points, and definitely get Able Learner from Races of Destiny, an Illumian is a Humanoid (Human) after all.

Take Versatile Spellcaster from Races of the Dragon, and you can spend two Beguiler spell slots to cast any spell you know (including Wizard spells) of one level higher. You can even use that (via flaws) to go Beguiler 1/ Wizard 1/ Master Specialist 3/ UM, and still put 10/10 UM toward Wizard with Practiced Spellcaster. Note that you'll need to learn a 2nd level Wizard spell before you can cast them to do this, but it should also give you early knowledge of the next higher level of Beguiler spells at any given level which you can also cast via Versatile Spellcaster.

I'd keep Illusion, and ban Enchantment and Evocation, plus Necromancy if you go Focused Specialist. Keep in mind you can use wands of any Beguiler spell, and you can use an Eternal Wand (MIC) of any arcane spell regardless of whether you could cast it normally.

[*.*.*.*]

If you can use the pathfinder sorcerer, nab sage-blooded for INT casting stat.

[mattie_p]

Flaws are out (especially to give early entry to Master Spec), as are PF classes (at least for spellcasters - DM is making an attempt at rebalancing). Otherwise making progress. Spellbook, feat, and and recommended skills?

Remember I gotta pay for any spells above minimum. Thinking Conj or Trans as focused school (what, I did read the handbooks before-hand).

[Wavelab]

Well if you can get access to Forgotten Realms material, then (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20030502a&page=2).

Basically the build(copied from here (http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19872322/Preliminary_Ultimate_Magus_Handbook)) is as follows:

Wizard 5/Incantatrix 3/Nar Demonbinder 1/UM 10/Incantatrix +1(4)
With Practiced Spellcaster Nar Demonbinder
Either Arcane Disciple (Any) on the Nar Demonbinder side at 9th level or Mother Cyst at 9th level or prior or some other way to add a 1st level spell to the Demonbinder spell list
Requires Iron Will and a Metamagic prior to lvl 6
Requires Skill Focus Conjuration prior to level 9

19 SKL Wizard (Int Casting) thus 9th level spells. 23 ACL
8 SKL (Cha casting) thus 8th level spells (including some cleric only spells), 24 ACL
1 Wizard Bonus Feats, 2 Incantatrix Bonus Feats, 2 Ultimate Magus Bonus Feats
Metamagic Effect
Cooperative Metamagic

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Flaws are out (especially to give early entry to Master Spec), as are PF classes (at least for spellcasters - DM is making an attempt at rebalancing). Otherwise making progress. Spellbook, feat, and and recommended skills?

Remember I gotta pay for any spells above minimum. Thinking Conj or Trans as focused school (what, I did read the handbooks before-hand).

Still use Illumian, still get Beguiler at 1st level. Definitely take Able Learner at 1st, Practiced Spellcaster: Beguiler at 3rd, and any metamagic feat at 5th assuming Pathfinder feat progression.

I'm not familiar with Pathfinder skills, but looking at the SRD I'd say you should keep max ranks in Concentration, Kn: Arcana, Spellcraft, Perception, Stealth, Fly, and probably Disable Device. UMD is always useful to have, and you can get social skills with whatever points are left over.

Conjuration is probably your best choice for specialization. Get the Abrupt Jaunt ACF in PH2 for survivability, and maybe even use Martial Wizard (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#wizard) to get Improved Initiative instead of Scribe Scroll. You can pick up Obtain Familiar later on to get a full-strength familiar if you want one, and even get Improved Familiar for something useful like an Imp or Quasit or Pseudodragon. Definitely get the Summon Elemental reserve feat, which can open doors and spring traps unquestioningly.

Go with the standard Batman array of spells, and remember that you can spontaneously cast up to 2nd level Wizard spells by using your Beguiler slots two at a time. You automatically know any Beguiler spells of a level you can cast, which means that as soon as you know a 2nd level Wizard spell and have Versatile Spellcaster, you gain knowledge of every 2nd level Beguiler spell on the class list. Since you've already learned those spells, you should be able to copy them into your spellbook and cast them via Wizard at no additional cost other than 100 gp per page. Once you can cast 2nd level Beguiler spells (at UM 5) and know at least one 3rd level Wizard spell, you'll gain knowledge of the 3rd level Beguiler list and be able to put those into your spellbook as well. Note that you cannot put non-Wizard spells into your spellbook to cast via Wizard spell slots, such as Glibness or spells from prohibited schools, but you can still cast those via Beguiler slots.

After UM 10 you could get the 5th level of Wizard and trade your bonus feat for the Domain Power ACF in CC. A dip into Mindbender for Telepathy and being able to pick up Mindsight is definitely worth it if you're not good aligned. Archmage or Paragnostic Apostle would be a good finish to the build.

[mattie_p]

Go with the standard Batman array of spells, and remember that you can spontaneously cast up to 2nd level Wizard spells by using your Beguiler slots two at a time. You automatically know any Beguiler spells of a level you can cast, which means that as soon as you know a 2nd level Wizard spell and have Versatile Spellcaster, you gain knowledge of every 2nd level Beguiler spell on the class list. Since you've already learned those spells, you should be able to copy them into your spellbook and cast them via Wizard at no additional cost other than 100 gp per page. Once you can cast 2nd level Beguiler spells (at UM 5) and know at least one 3rd level Wizard spell, you'll gain knowledge of the 3rd level Beguiler list and be able to put those into your spellbook as well. Note that you cannot put non-Wizard spells into your spellbook to cast via Wizard spell slots, such as Glibness or spells from prohibited schools, but you can still cast those via Beguiler slots.

After UM 10 you could get the 5th level of Wizard and trade your bonus feat for the Domain Power ACF in CC. A dip into Mindbender for Telepathy and being able to pick up Mindsight is definitely worth it if you're not good aligned. Archmage or Paragnostic Apostle would be a good finish to the build.

OK, awesome advice if I was going high-op, but I really gotta tone it down. Wow. How many books do you think that would get thrown at me?

I think I'm committed to Beguiler/Spec Wiz going into UM, Illumian if it'll fly (still need to borrow PHB II, get it tomorrow). Any other thoughts?