help in making an effective mid level gish (start at 7th)

[macdaddy]

I want to make a gish for an upcoming campaign that will start us at 7th level. My one "restriction" is to try and keep my casting progression as High as possible, so i get 3rd level spells at 7th and 4th at 9th.

As a result, i can't seem to do much other than the following:
Fighter 2 / wizard 4 / spellsword 1
Follow with Abjurant champion 5

Fests (human)
Power attack, practiced spell caster, improved initiative
Combat reflexes, Knowledge devotion,
Combat casting

Extend spell (?? What to replace with? Travel or law devotion?)

Focused specialist transmuter for extra spell goodness.
Banning necromancy, evocation and enchantment


I would love to fit In runesmith, but that would get kind of crazy at 2/2/2 and then still adding in spell sword....

[A_S]

If you go with that build, absolutely take Arcane Strike at level 6. Otherwise, your feat choices look good. I might consider being a Conjurer instead of a focused Transmuter, because Abrupt Jaunt is the best thing ever.

For the level range you're going to be working with, also consider going Wizard 6/Swiftblade (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/prc/20070327) X (you have to be an elf or an outsider, or blow a feat on a proficiency, to qualify). Keeps pace with the build you're using on spell access up through level 12, and seriously, Swiftblade class features are amazing.

*edit* Third level spells. Dang. Never mind about the feat advice.

[lord_khaine]

What about a Warblade(or crusader)/wizard/Jade phoenix mage?

They are great fun to play, gets a ton of interesting abilities, and quite a few tricks that covers some of your weakest spots, like a bad fortitude save.

[DR27]

Gish? Tome of Battle for Jade Phoenix Mage. I'm also particularly partial to Runesmith from Races of Stone. Something like Wizard 4/Crusader 1/Runesmith 1/Jade Phoenix Mage X. Cast your spells in full plate, get your spells, and maneuver progression. It's a pretty cool setup if you are playing from level 7 to start, you get your 3rd level spells, and 4th level at 9th. However, if playing from level one, you might want to switch things around so that you start as a Gish, not as a plain wizard that later diversifies into being a Gish.

[Xerlith]

If Tome of Battle is on the table, maybe:
Human Paragon1/Wizard1/Human Paragon+2/Warblade or Crusader1/Wizard+1/JPM1
then advance JPM, slipping Abjurant Champion inbetween.


If not, Bard7 advancing into Swiftblade is always classy.

I'd say psionic characters can make fun and powerful gishes, but not everyone fancies psionics.


EDIT: Wait, you want 3rd on 7th...

Well, Wiz5/Crusader1/JPM1 for a non-dwarf, Wiz4/Crus1/Runesmith1/JPM1 for a dwarf (later in both cases advance JPM and AbjChamp to taste)
OR
Human Paragon1/Wiz2/HP+2/Ftr1/Spellsword1 (then /AbjChamp5 and top it off with EK or Knight Phantom)

And as it was said before, Wiz6/Swiftblade9-10/AbjChamp4-5 is damn fun. Never gets 9th level spells though, but it doesn't matter because Swiftblade. Drop 3 spells in a round, because you can. Without the Quicken Spell feat, no less.

[HalfQuart]

Fighter 2 / wizard 4 / spellsword 1
Follow with Abjurant champion 5
You could also do Duskblade 2 / Wizard 4 / Spellsword 1. You'd lose the two fighter feats, but then would get Combat Casting free. Plus a few gishy spells... and I guess you'd lose a few HP (d8 instead of d10), but would pick up Concentration and Knowledge (All) as class skills and +3 Will. Overall it seems like a pretty good trade to me.

[Piggy Knowles]

Building toward the zero buff time gish (http://community.wizards.com/content/forum-topic/3653451)...

Aeshkrau Illumian Martial Wizard 6/Swiftblade 1

Take Martial Weapon Proficiency for either a greatsword or guisarme, depending on whether you'd prefer reach or damage. Prioritize Strength.

[Snowbluff]

Building toward the zero buff time gish (http://community.wizards.com/content/forum-topic/3653451)...

Aeshkrau Illumian Martial Wizard 6/Swiftblade 1

Take Martial Weapon Proficiency for either a greatsword or guisarme, depending on whether you'd prefer reach or damage. Prioritize Strength.
The build stub is eh. It should be Wiz6/SB9/Spelldancer1/AbjChamp4.

Ocular Persistent Haste. Haste that can't be dispelled, but your enemies also can't counter it.