RndmNumGen
2013-02-12, 11:13 AM
So I've got a Divination Wizard 5/Savant 2 (Opposed Abjuration & Enchantment) who just leveled up, and I'm taking my first Esoteric Magic spell. The description states:
At each class level beyond 1st, the Arcane savant chooses a spell from any class’s spell list and thereafter treats it as if it were on the spell list of his base spellcasting classes; if his base class could not normally cast that spell, it is treated as 1 level higher. The spell’s type (arcane or divine) and save DCs function as normal for his base spellcasting class. All other restrictions of his normal spellcasting class apply. This ability does not allow other spellcasters to prepare, cast, or use spell trigger or spell completion items of esoteric spells (such as a sorcerer using a cure light wounds scroll).
The way this breaks down is that you get to add a spell that isn't normally on your list, to your list, when you can then learn and cast normally. There is some RAW/RAI debate as to what happens if the spell is already on your list; I don't want to focus on that in this thread. For now, let's assume that any spell added with Esotetic Magic is cast at +1 from the class which gets it at the lowest spell level. Essentially, if you take Summon Monster VII, a 5th level Summoner spell, you can cast it as a 6th level wizard as opposed to 7th. If you take Raise Dead, a 5th level Cleric spell, you can cast it as a 6th level wizard as opposed to never.
What are some good spells to take with this ability? I was considering the following:
Litany of Sloth: Even as a 2nd-level spell this can be good for an 'Oh sh*t' moment. No save, enemy does not get AoOs or casting defensively for a round. Main drawback for me here is that it is an Enchantment spell, so I would need 2 2nd-level spells to prepare it... suddenly a lot more costly.
Utter Contempt: This one would let me toy around with people's feelings 2 spell levels early, essentially. I can think of plenty of situations where making two people mad at each other can be beneficial. Sadly, it's another Enchantment spell.
Overwhelming Presence: Another Enchantment(I think I'm seeing a pattern here) that would let me cast OP 2 levels early as well. This time it's a multiple target will save or be Helpless, then Staggered afterwards.
So... yeah. Can anyone think of other good spells to take with this(especially non-enchantments?) If I realized how many there were I wouldn't have taken it as my opposition school, but it's a little late for that now.
At each class level beyond 1st, the Arcane savant chooses a spell from any class’s spell list and thereafter treats it as if it were on the spell list of his base spellcasting classes; if his base class could not normally cast that spell, it is treated as 1 level higher. The spell’s type (arcane or divine) and save DCs function as normal for his base spellcasting class. All other restrictions of his normal spellcasting class apply. This ability does not allow other spellcasters to prepare, cast, or use spell trigger or spell completion items of esoteric spells (such as a sorcerer using a cure light wounds scroll).
The way this breaks down is that you get to add a spell that isn't normally on your list, to your list, when you can then learn and cast normally. There is some RAW/RAI debate as to what happens if the spell is already on your list; I don't want to focus on that in this thread. For now, let's assume that any spell added with Esotetic Magic is cast at +1 from the class which gets it at the lowest spell level. Essentially, if you take Summon Monster VII, a 5th level Summoner spell, you can cast it as a 6th level wizard as opposed to 7th. If you take Raise Dead, a 5th level Cleric spell, you can cast it as a 6th level wizard as opposed to never.
What are some good spells to take with this ability? I was considering the following:
Litany of Sloth: Even as a 2nd-level spell this can be good for an 'Oh sh*t' moment. No save, enemy does not get AoOs or casting defensively for a round. Main drawback for me here is that it is an Enchantment spell, so I would need 2 2nd-level spells to prepare it... suddenly a lot more costly.
Utter Contempt: This one would let me toy around with people's feelings 2 spell levels early, essentially. I can think of plenty of situations where making two people mad at each other can be beneficial. Sadly, it's another Enchantment spell.
Overwhelming Presence: Another Enchantment(I think I'm seeing a pattern here) that would let me cast OP 2 levels early as well. This time it's a multiple target will save or be Helpless, then Staggered afterwards.
So... yeah. Can anyone think of other good spells to take with this(especially non-enchantments?) If I realized how many there were I wouldn't have taken it as my opposition school, but it's a little late for that now.