(PF) Wizard Ray Specialist?

[Duncan_Ruadrik]

I've seen this mentioned as viable, especially in combination with Eldritch Knight, but I've never actually seen one or built one.

I assume it is merely the usual ranged feats, with weapon focus: Ray and Specialization: Ray. I see such a character making a very interesting and fun skirmisher, since most spells are a standard action to cast.

If I were to run one, I see him as a sort of gunslinger without a gun. Except when he points his finger at you and goes "bang" you feel it.

what arcane schools, archetypes, and/or prestige classes would you recommend for this idea?

What do you do when you run out of spells?

Thanks guys!

[McToomin]

It's not exactly your "classic" ray specialist, but you may want to check out the Spellslinger (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/archetypes/paizo---wizard-archetypes/spellslinger) wizard archetype. I haven't played one myself, but it looks like it would accomplish what you're going for and be lots of fun to boot.

[Duncan_Ruadrik]

I had indeed looked at the spellslinger wizard. It does indeed look as though it gives me what I want, plus a gun to use when I run out of spells.

However, Im not sure if I can deal with 4 opposition schools. Even though a ray specialist is, well, focused on rays, the ability to use control spells is a very nice option should direct damage fail me.

definitely something to consider though.

[Corlindale]

Spellslinger is a good choice for this, I think. Consider the potential value of boosting your rays with either +5 to attack roll or +5 to save DC - that's pretty huge. It also makes ray crits better, so that's a plus too.

4 opposition schools is a bit harsh, I agree, but remember that you aren't entirely restricted from casting opposition spells in PF, they merely require two slots. And eventually you can pick up the opposition research discovery to unlock one of your barred schools.

I probably wouldn't go EK. It's pretty easy to hit with touch attacks anyway, and iteratives will be of no benefit when you use rays as your primary attack. Much better go get more powerful ray spells faster and/or faster access to quickened rays.

[Duncan_Ruadrik]

Spellslinger is a good choice for this, I think. Consider the potential value of boosting your rays with either +5 to attack roll or +5 to save DC - that's pretty huge. It also makes ray crits better, so that's a plus too.

4 opposition schools is a bit harsh, I agree, but remember that you aren't entirely restricted from casting opposition spells in PF, they merely require two slots. And eventually you can pick up the opposition research discovery to unlock one of your barred schools.

I probably wouldn't go EK. It's pretty easy to hit with touch attacks anyway, and iteratives will be of no benefit when you use rays as your primary attack. Much better go get more powerful ray spells faster and/or faster access to quickened rays.

I agree for the most part. Though, i feel EK is good for a few reasons: HD is a big boost, as is the access to weapon specialization. Though touch AC is indeed easy to hit, the guarantee is always good. I'm not in it for the iterative attacks.

[Corlindale]

The HD increase is ok, I agree, but I don't see the big appeal of weapon specialization. It's a mere +2 damage - ok if you're an archer that attacks 4+ times per round, but with a ray caster you're hardly going to notice that +2 once you get past the very low levels.

Another alternative could be an Arcane Trickster build, to get sneak attack damage with rays. That may actually have the most damage potential of all ray casters, if played right.

[Duncan_Ruadrik]

yah, I'd like to play an Arcane Trickster... I just can't get past the half BAB and the brutal entry requirements. Its easier to be a Gunslinger 1/Wizard 5 than to be a Rogue 3/Wizard 3.

hah, maybe I will play a gunslinger/Spellslinger/Eldritch Knight. With Deadly Aim, a pistol, and rapid reload, i could have a decent BAB and fun with spells.

I would love a character like this in a steampunk setting. A leather longcoat, some goggles, a pistol, and a desire to combine magic and technology. Ugh. might have to go build this now...

[jaybird]

Just remember, IIRC according to Paizo (:smallfurious:) Wizards don't gain new spells learned from prestige classes...

On a side note, just in case you can talk your GM into allowing 3.5 material, check out Spellwarp Sniper in Complete Scoundrel. Worth a try as it's built from the ground up as a ray specialist.

[Waker]

Another option that would require DM permission, but have you looked at the Gun Mage from Iron Kingdom? Wouldn't be too hard to update to PF. It's a spontaneous cha-based caster, Bard spells day/known is the same as a Bard, 3/4 BAB, Refl high and it treats it's gun as a familiar.

[Corlindale]

yah, I'd like to play an Arcane Trickster... I just can't get past the half BAB and the brutal entry requirements. Its easier to be a Gunslinger 1/Wizard 5 than to be a Rogue 3/Wizard 3.

Half BAB is not that terrible, though, because if you're an AT you'll generally be working actively to deny enemies their dex bonus to AC (to get sneak attack), and dex bonus to AC is incidentally also one of the major contributors to touch AC.
The entry requirements ARE brutal, however.

[Waker]

While I realize the general consensus is that losing spellcasting levels is akin to chopping your own arm off, are the entry requirements that bad? Three levels of Rogue, Ninja or Vivisectionist can offer plenty; skill points, evasion, rogue/ninja tricks, brew potion or whatever. The PrC itself fully progresses casting and the low BAB doesn't matter since you seem interested in touch attacks anyways.

[Feralventas]

If you're allowed 3.5 stuff, there's the Spellwarp Sniper of Complete Scoundrel (Dip into Rogue, then full 'casting, sneak attacks with rays, and the ability to focus your AOE's down into rays).

But other than that, Spellslinger should work fine for your purposes. Illusion, Enchantment, Abjuration, and Transmutation have few actual Ray spells. (Disintegrate is Transmutation IIRC, but allowing a save may make the regular damage spells more viable, and Sonic damage is still great for wrecking obstacles).

[Duncan_Ruadrik]

ugh. if I were allowed 3.5 material, the title would not say (PF). it would say (3.P) or (3.X) or something indicating 3.5+Pathfinder.

in the same vein, Im not going to use 3rd party materials. just (PF).

okay?:smallbiggrin:

[jaybird]

ugh. if I were allowed 3.5 material, the title would not say (PF). it would say (3.P) or (3.X) or something indicating 3.5+Pathfinder.

in the same vein, Im not going to use 3rd party materials. just (PF).

okay?:smallbiggrin:

Just double-checking :smallbiggrin:

I've never played a Ninja, but according to my GM, they're a touch more fun to play then Rogues thanks to the Ki abilities. Of course, if you're entering with Wizard, the Alchemist has more Int synergy, and the discoveries are significantly better then the talents IMO.

Regarding the chassis, Rogue, Ninja, and Alchemist are all 3/4, d8 classes, but Alchemist has good Fort and Ref. Reflex won't be a big deal for a ray sniper, but Fortitude save bonuses should come in handy for you.

All in all, go with Vivisectionist. You're a Wizard, you won't be hurting for skills at any rate.

[Rhaegar14]

Just remember, IIRC according to Paizo (:smallfurious:) Wizards don't gain new spells learned from prestige classes...

This. You definitely want to go with a Sorcerer if you're playing RAW and set on Eldritch Knight. However, I would recommend the Sage-variant Arcane Bloodline, which makes your spells run off Intelligence and removes one of the major advantages Wizards have over Sorcerers (namely skill points).